City considers robotic arm to aid garbage collection
July 28, 2015
In May 2015, the city of Fredericton borrowed a garbage collection truck with a robotic arm from a local firm and used it for two weeks in a pilot project. Residents were asked to use a dolly or wheeled garbage container for the two-week period.
About 11,000 dolly containers are already in use in the greater Fredericton area and other southern New Brunswick municipalities for garbage collection. Using these containers exclusively would make it possible for Fredericton to move to an automated garbage collection system with robotic arms on the trucks. The arms would lift the wheeled containers, dumping the contents into the garbage truck.
Possible benefits of a fully automated garbage collection system, according to the city, would include the increased safety for workers and a reduced risk of lifting injuries as well as less exposure to any hazardous materials or chemicals in the garbage.
Benefits for residents are listed on the Fredericton city website and include containing odours and preventing animals from getting to the garbage bags. Keeping animals and birds from ripping the bags open means that residents could safely leave their garbage at the curbside overnight.
Trius Disposal, contractor for the city's garbage disposal, offered to loan the dolly containers to residents selected to be part of the pilot project. For those residents opting to keep the container after the pilot project was completed, Trius made a "special offer" costing $130 for outright purchase of the container or a monthly payment option.
The green dolly garbage container has a 360-litre capacity and can hold up to five standard garbage bags.
Counciller Greg Ericson, Chair of Fredericton's Public Safety & Environment Committee, noted that "The data from this pilot project will help us make the best informed decision when considering future options for residential garbage collection." It is expected that the pilot project will provide information on any potential efficiencies and benefits that might result from the introduction of an automated garbage collection.
Photos by: City of Fredericton
About Christine Purfield
Christine Purfield traded numbers for words when she gave up the dizzy heights of finance and accounting to become a freelance writer. She can usually be found writing, knitting, or avoiding housework. If you can't find her, she's travelling.