Trash System to Be Phased
Despite the apparent success of a pilot program to streamline trash collection, the City Council has decided not to spend $900,000 to expand the new program citywide.
The council did approve a modified version, authorizing the purchase of one new trash truck and more than 2,300 special containers.
Nine months ago city officials launched the program in five Uptown Village neighborhoods. Leased trucks were used with specially built arms that lift and empty the trash barrels, meaning the driver never has to leave the cab. The automation cuts the number of workers needed for trash pickup.
Some city officials wanted to expand the program to encompass most of Whittier, but the council decided instead to expand the service in phases by buying one truck and the trash containers for about $310,000. One container is allocated for every three residents.
With the new truck, the automated trash pickup program will be expanded in the Uptown Village area by the summer of 1986.
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