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City says trash-can rollout largely complete; officials push for bagging, reconciliation phase under way
Summary
Public Works briefed council on the refuse modernization rollout: about 8,700 residential cans delivered, a reconciliation stage will begin to correct misdeliveries and size changes, yard-waste opt-in begins with a $50 refundable deposit, and staff warned residents bagged trash must go in bins to limit litter and landfill costs.
Staunton’s public works department told council on March 27 that the city’s trash-can modernization program has seen widespread deployment and is entering a reconciliation phase to correct delivery and sizing issues.
Public Works Director Dave Urban said the residential can rollout began in March and the contractor had delivered about 8,700 cans as of the morning of the meeting, with roughly 700 still to go. He told council crews and contractor staffing levels affect daily deployment rates; the project team has planned a reconciliation stage after delivery to reassign incorrect sizes, resolve serial-number/account mismatches, and respond to residents who request changes after trying their new cans.
Urban said the program’s goals include improving employee safety, increasing operational efficiency using Rubicon route-management software, keeping streets and stormwater systems cleaner, improving curb appeal and diverting waste from the regional landfill. He told council technology on the trucks and route analytics will allow staff to rework routes if needed.
On ordinances and compliance, Urban said trash placed in cans should be bagged: loose debris can blow out during collection and create litter that enters storm systems. The city will use a three-step noncompliance protocol of warning hangtags and – on a third violation – refuse collection of the bagged material until the issue is addressed. He told council there are no program fines; the policy relies on progressive notifications.
Practical details discussed for residents: - Bag tags for extra trash may be purchased for about $1 at City Hall, Public Works or online; they are to be affixed to each additional bag. - Second residential cans carry a $12-per-month fee. - Yard-waste cans are an opt-in service with a $50 refundable deposit charged on the first bill; the city expected yard-waste pickup to be monthly, beginning in June on the first Wednesday of each month. - The city owns the new cans and will repair normal wear and tear at no charge; damage from prohibited uses (for example, hot ashes) may be charged to the resident.
Urban said the program will include twice-yearly bulky-item pickup (spring and fall) and a centralized recycling center remains an important tool to divert material from the Augusta Regional Landfill. He noted the landfill’s five-year capital plan will require significant capital contributions from member localities and that reducing landfill volume is a long-term fiscal priority.
Councilors asked about accessibility and assistance for residents for whom moving a can is burdensome; Urban said the policy includes an application process for residents with disabilities and that staff had received about 20 applications to date with some approvals. He also said all city garbage trucks have been fitted with mechanical arms to handle the new carts.
Council and staff discussed continued public education on bagging, correct can placement and the timeline for enforcement, which staff said would be phased to allow residents time to adjust.
