The City of Merritt’s Public Works Department rolled out the details of a new garbage disposal system last week, as five semi trucks dropped off nearly 5,000 carts.

“There are a few adjustments that people should be aware of when we start picking up with the new automated truck,” said Darrell Finnigan, public works superintendent. “We want this to roll out nicely so that people will know what to do when we start picking up the bins.”

The new system calls for several changes to the way Merrittonians throw out their trash.

Residents can fit approximately two garbage bags in each cart. Any additional bag can be placed outside the cart with a tag, which costs $2.20 each.

Crews will position the cart to be picked up by the automated truck. Any additional bag is then placed inside the now-empty bin and lifted by a mechanical arm.

Public works has up to this point been “pretty lenient” in allowing residents to place multiple bags on the curbs, Finnigan said. However, the new system doesn’t allow crews the time to place untagged bags into the bin for pickup.

“This helps control the amount people are putting out,” he said, noting a possible decrease could help reduce dumping costs.

One can will be delivered per address, unless the residence has an assigned suite.

Anyone who is used to placing their garbage bins in the alley will have to take it to the front of their house.

Shawn Boven, public works manager, said the automated truck will ease garbage disposal and collection.

“We will need the truck in our hands for a week of testing,” he said. “Right now, we’re expecting the truck to arrive in the week of March 5.”

The new bins come with a computer chip that the public works department can use to locate each bin.

That also means the bin must stay at the residence to which is was assigned.

“If your cart is blowing down the street, we can get it back,” Finnigan said. “If kids are out joyriding with the cart, we can track where they go.”

The bins are slated to be delivered to residents on March 5. Testing the new truck is expected shortly after. The new truck is expected to be fully operating on March 26.

“We encourage people to use the new can the first week that they receive it,” Finnigan said.

The bins cost the city over $230,000 and the new truck is pegged at $274,000. Each garbage can has a lifespan of 10 years and the automated truck is expected to survive for five years.

Every household is slated to receive a door hanger that explains the details of the new system.

The garbage bins can hold approximately 120 litres.