New city garbage truck to hit the streets in March
The City of Merritt is slated to use an automated garbage collection truck starting March 5, changing the landscape of disposal throughout town.
An information brochure and a container are scheduled to be delivered for free to each residence in Merritt during the first week of March.
The bins cost the city over $230,000 and the new truck is pegged at $274,000. The City anticipates the new system will ease garbage disposal and pickup.
“This should make the process easier all around,” said Shawn Boven, public works manager. “We’ve been working on getting this truck for the last two years.”
Testing is slated to begin during the first week of March, the truck will then start operation alongside the current truck in the second week and then the new truck will become fully operational by the third week. All times are tentative.
The containers are designed to reduce odour and pest problems.
Each cart is also “easy to roll and extremely durable.”
The carts will also allow truck drivers to more easily maneuver the garbage into the truck.
The City expects a reduction to the number of work-related injuries and insurance premiums are expected to decrease.
City officials couldn’t confirm the final cost of the truck.
Pat Sibilleau, the City’s financial services manager, said taxpayers will save money on the cost of the truck by trading in the old vehicle.
“We are just getting all that information together now,” she said. “We do know that there is a reduction in cost because we are trading in the old vehicle.”
The new vehicle will also be able to handle curbside recycling.
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