Board of Estimates Approves Contract for Trash Can Pilot Program

Wednesday Nov 20th, 2013

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx today announced that two Baltimore communities will be the first to participate in a new standardized municipal trash container/collection pilot program beginning this spring. Director Foxx made this announcement following the awarding of a contract for this program at today's Board of Estimates meeting.    

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works is launching the Municipal Trash Container Pilot Program in order to promote cleanliness and control rats and other vermin. Standardized trash containers are also expected to improve efficiency in the collection process since they can be mechanically lifted onto existing modified trash trucks. The containers have wheels for easy mobility, and attached lids to prevent loss. Each container will have a unique identifier. That technology will allow the DPW to assign a can to each residence, and to track the ownership of any wayward cans that are found. Since the containers can be traced, it is expected that thefts of them will be reduced.

Every household in Belair-Edison and in the Greater Mondawmin neighborhoods in the pilot will receive a free 65-gallon trash container along with a free 25-gallon recycling bin for their paper, metal, glass and plastic. If residents lose a can, the City will provide one free replacement. Other cans will have to be purchased.
 
The communities were chosen based on the different challenges and opportunities they offer.

Belair-Edison has wide alleys, which work well with the trash containers, and also had a recent rat eradication effort that had exceptional community cooperation. Including the Four by Four neighborhood, about 6,600 Belair-Edison homes will get containers.

Greater Mondawmin includes a diversity of property types, streets and alleys, and a mix of home owners and renters. It is expected this diversity will provide a challenge to test the standardized collection system. About 2,560 residences in five Greater Mondawmin neighborhoods will participate.
The Board awarded the contract for containers and maintenance to Toter inc. for $577.827.50.
 
Residents will get more details and notifications before the cans are delivered.

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