Janesville City Council to keep talking trash
JANESVILLE — The Janesville City Council on Monday will be asked to spend $3.15 million so the city can convert to automated collection of garbage and single-stream recycling.
The council normally would commit to the program when it approves the overall note issue later this year, but city staff is asking for a commitment now because lead time for trucks is five to six months, said John Whitcomb, operations director.
The city hopes to begin automated collection in October.
Staff is suggesting the city convert to automated collection this year because many of the trucks in its sanitation fleet are due for replacement now.
Automation—which features trucks with automatic arms that pick up and dump wheeled containers—likely will mean the city can eliminate one truck from its fleet and two employees, Whitcomb said.
However, the city will not save money by converting, as one would expect. Whitcomb said that’s because the city already is efficient with its one-person garbage trucks.
In addition, the cost of new equipment will negate any savings. The city also must buy wheeled carts for each residence, and those costs range from $55 to $58 each.
Many details still must be worked out, including the size and type of containers, Whitcomb said.
Under the existing garbage/recycling collection system, cost per household is $6.38 monthly. Staff estimates the cost of full automation with bi-weekly recycling will be $6.56 monthly.
The new system would allow for single-stream recycling, which means residents can put all recyclables—glass, plastics, cans and newspapers—in the same container. This form of recycling usually encourages more people to take part, with the amount generated going up about 20 to 25 percent, Whitcomb said.
The city receives revenue for those recyclables.
If you go
The Janesville City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in City Hall, 18 N. Jackson St. Members will gather to meet informally with residents at 6 p.m.
Items on the agenda include:
-- A public hearing and action on an ordinance amending zoning to allow more flexibility in reusing historic residential structures.
-- Action on a potential spring primary for the city council. Nine candidates are running for four seats.
-- Action on a request to authorize a $25,000 claim to be paid to Colin Cabelka. Cabelka was injured during a May 2010 accident involving Cabelka, who was riding a bicycle, and a city garbage truck.
Jan 9, 2012 at 11:13 a.m.
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Kilgore-
Yes; This is a service that should be contracted out. Would they consider it? No way.
Jan 9, 2012 at 11:11 a.m.
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"The new system would allow for single-stream recycling, which means residents can put all recyclables—glass, plastics, cans and newspapers—in the same container. This form of recycling usually encourages more people to take part, with the amount generated going up about 20 to 25 percent, Whitcomb said."
Is this not what we do now? We have only one crappy green bin.
I beleive the only think they asked was put cardboard and papers on the side in the same bin. Now we just toss it like a salad?
Jan 9, 2012 at 10:14 a.m.
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A good opportunity to totally contract out the entire system saving the city millions in the long run. Anyone think they will even consider that? No trucks, no maint., no personnel, no ins, no pensions, no legacy costs. LISTEN
Jan 9, 2012 at 9:20 a.m.
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$2.16 more per household per year? Done.
Emac: how many days do you think that snow will impact recycling pickup-per year; 2, 15? What do you do currently? Do you store your garbage inside when it snows 8 inches or do you shovel a path so that you can throw away your garbage?
The additional $2.16 you will spend per year does not require you to recycle-you can continue to throw away your garbage as you normally would.
Jan 9, 2012 at 8:57 a.m.
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I, for one, and fully in support of this. The service costs slightly more - but will increase recycling participation greatly.
I don't even bother taking my recyclables to the curb because of animals in my neighborhood, or wind blows the cardboard around. I take it to the WM drop off site on Blackbridge.
For those who are complaining about the size of the container - attend a listening session to voice your opinion to those who are offering their ear to hear you. If they're like Madison's containers, then the cans will have a flip top lid and take a little more floor space than the existing bins we have now.
Jan 8, 2012 at 10:02 p.m.
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What happens to those who don't have enough garage space to store these large containers? Keep them outside and have rats, racoons, and other varments trying to dig in them? That will go over like a fart in church.
Jan 8, 2012 at 5:08 p.m.
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Fine idea until it snows. Then you are digging a spot for the containers and a path to get them there. Wait until you try to drag a full container through eight inches of snow in the dark.
Jan 8, 2012 at 3:51 p.m.
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Good job Janesville! Uh, I mean "Good No Jobs Janesville!!
Jan 8, 2012 at 2:09 p.m.
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jocose: I do believe as you do that all handlers who has to lift every day gets hurt at one point in there work schedule. Only because they wrecked there back or muscle and are now out of work and the dept has to quickly find a replacement which I am sure is costing the tax payers big money pay two. One working and the other laying in bed hurt.
Jan 8, 2012 at 8:27 a.m.
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This time I am all for the new system. Rarely does the city come up with a decent new idea, but this time it just makes sense. It will be easier, faster, cleaner and we should also save money on liability insurance for the workers since they no longer will need to get out of their trucks and handle the trash and containers. It should be cheaper in the long run. If anyone is against this, then they either are not familiar with the system or they are just chronic complainers.
Jan 8, 2012 at 8:13 a.m.
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Wahoo . . . the system is more efficient. They're eliminating a truck and two people, according to the article. Doing the same work with fewer trucks and people = improved efficiency. Those complaining here about a few pennies per month more in cost are missing the forest for the trees.
Jan 8, 2012 at 8:08 a.m.
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I can't wait for the system to start. It's easy and now I can mix all my recyclables together. Most of the surrounding area does this already. Good job, Janesville!
Jan 8, 2012 at 1:20 a.m.
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actually it is a safer system for the folks that collect the trash and generally all the garbage will fit easily in one container, the one they provide. i am "up north" and our collector is Vieola and i suspect their equipment is what janesville is going to. the containers are heavy duty and roll easily. waste management co. uses the same systems.
Jan 7, 2012 at 9:06 p.m.
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Yep, what the heck, it is only money...
Yah right...when will they ever listen.
Unbelievable...
Now is not the time to keep spending.
Jan 7, 2012 at 8:53 p.m.
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The city wants to go to a system that is less efficient and costs more to operate. Why does this need to be discussed?
Jan 7, 2012 at 6:07 p.m.
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The City Council changed the start time for the informal meeting (I thought) to 6:30PM from 6:00PM.
Jan 7, 2012 at 5:56 p.m.
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There are private businesses that collect trash. Each homeowner should contract privately for trash collection.
Jan 7, 2012 at 5:50 p.m.
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I hear 'ya someoneme. Goto http://www.ci.janesville.wi.us/index.asp...
Jan 7, 2012 at 4:26 p.m.
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I am confused. I used to separate my recyclables. Then I watched the lady just dump everything I had separated all in together. So since then I just throw it all in the one basket mixed together. So what is really the difference and now I will have to pay more I see?
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