January 12, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
The City of Smithville began using its new automated side loader garbage truck last summer but still some residents are not complying with instructions on how to properly place their assigned 96 gallon garbage cans by the side of the streets for trash pickup.
According to City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson, some residents are setting their garbage cans sideways or backwards. Be sure to look at the lid on your garbage can and place the container toward the street as indicated by the “arrow” on the lid.
“A lot of people are setting the trash cans sideways or backwards. The cans need to be set by the streets the correct way for our trash service to be able to pick up the trash properly,” said Robinson.
Overfilled garbage cans are also causing problems. “When you overfill the trash can and the automated arm picks it up, the trash tends to come out of the can and litter the ground. We ( garbage truck drivers) can’t get out and pick that up,” Robinson said.
In September, the aldermen adopted on final reading an ordinance establishing general standards for the new service and the city mailed residents and business owners written copies of the garbage collection regulations that they must follow.
Those not following the rules as provided to them by the city may soon lose their garbage pickup service until they get it right.
“In the next week or two, if your trash is not set out correctly, the city will not pick it up until you comply. You will be forced to haul it off yourself,” Robinson concluded.