BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore City Board of Estimates today awarded an $8.94 million contract to Schaefer Systems International, Inc., of Charlotte, N.C., to provide Municipal Trash Cans to every household address in the City. These durable, wheeled trash cans are equipped with attached, tight-fitting lids that have proven effective in keeping streets and alleys clean, and in deterring rodents. Municipal Trash Cans will be provided to every Baltimore household that receives trash collection service from the Department of Public Works. Trash can distribution will begin by early next year.

 

The Board approved the Municipal Trash Can Program following the success of a pilot program held in Belair-Edison and Greater Mondawmin, where there are nearly 10,000 households. The pilot program resulted in a reduction in Rat Rubout service calls, a reduction in mixed refuse tonnage, and an increase in the recycling rate. City trash trucks, called loadpackers, have been fitted with special equipment to mechanically empty the cans. The Municipal Can program is also expected to reduce worker injuries from lifting and overexertion.

 

On the awarding of the contract, Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., stated that “Municipal Trash Cans are an important innovation for Baltimore that will make our trash collection operations more effective and efficient, and keep our neighborhoods clean.” The Director added that “DPW is providing more cleaning operations and opportunities now than ever before.”

 

Municipal Trash Cans will be assigned to each eligible address. A radio frequency identification (RFID) strip embedded in the can will identify it with the assigned address to help prevent theft. When a resident vacates the property, the can will remain where it was assigned. The cans will remain property of the City of Baltimore.

 

These cans come at no additional cost to residents. Maintenance of the cans is included in the contract for the awarding of the cans. 

 

Residents who already have a trash container with a secure lid are encouraged to use the cans as additional recycling receptacles. They may also re-use existing cans for this purpose. DPW will provide recycling stickers to help. Recycling more helps Baltimore meet the 35% state mandated recycling rate.

 

DPW has many programs that make it easy for citizens to dispose of trash, eliminate rats, and clean their communities. The agency provides collection of trash and recycling weekly from city households, has five drop-off locations for trash, bulk and recycling, provides curbside bulk collection, leaf collection, Hazardous Waste and Styrofoam drop-offs, Community Pitch-In cleaning programs, Spring and Fall Cleanups and more.