The City of Rochester is asking residential refuse customers to help make garbage and recycling collection safer and more efficient by following a few simple rules when setting out their containers. As part of its ongoing investment in Smart City technology, the City has equipped every refuse and recycling collection truck with new technology that provides Environmental Service Operators with real-time route information, navigation, service updates, and the ability to document collection issues in the field. After more than a year of testing and implementation, the technology is now being used citywide to improve service, create more efficient collection routes, save taxpayer dollars, and enhance employee safety.
“Small changes by residents can make a big difference,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Our new technology is helping us build a smarter, safer, and more efficient collection system, but it works best when everyone does their part. By placing refuse and recycling containers correctly and having them out on time, residents help keep collections moving smoothly while improving safety for our employees.”
Routes have been made more efficient using the new technology. Residents should not expect their collection to occur at the same time of day it has in the past.
The City reminds residents to:
- Place refuse and recycle containers at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. Putting containers out the night before is encouraged.
- Leave at least 3 feet of space between refuse and recycling containers.
- Keep containers away from parked vehicles, trees, fences, utility poles, and other obstacles.
- Place container handles facing the house so the truck’s automated collection arm can safely pick them up.
- Use the green container for refuse and the blue container for recycling.
The City is also hiring Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers to join its Environmental Services team. Qualified applicants can learn more and apply at www.CityofRochester.gov/CDL.