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County pilots automated side-loader trucks; committee approves surplus of older highway vehicles
Summary
Hamblen County staff described a limited pilot of two automated side-loader trash trucks, public-notification efforts and container weight limits; the Public Services Committee also approved surplus declarations for several nonrunning garbage trucks and other highway equipment.
Hamblen County staff told the Public Services Committee on Oct. 14 that two automated side-loader trash trucks are in a pilot phase and that the county has been using targeted flyers, hand tags and limited social-media posts to notify residents in the neighborhoods where the trucks are being tested.
Staff said the automated side-loaders are being tested on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis to determine the most suitable routes and that crews are placing hand tags and distributing flyers in pilot areas. Staff emphasized that the rollout is still a learning process and that no county-wide route changes have been implemented; backup trucks are available for routes where the automated units are not appropriate.
During committee discussion staff said the largest automated side-loaders carry about 31 cubic yards; rear loaders carry roughly 20 cubic yards. Staff told commissioners the household container weight limit should remain about 50 pounds per container to avoid equipment damage and worker safety issues. Commissioners expressed concern about older or disabled residents who may have difficulty moving carts and asked staff to account for those needs when designing a broader rollout.
The committee also approved a surplus list from the Hamblen County Highway Department that included several nonrunning garbage trucks, crew trucks and other equipment; staff said the seven units taken out of service "don't run" and that the department will keep a sufficient number of working trucks, including two new automated units and spares.
Provenance: First related transcript excerpt: "No. No. All business item 4 a surplus for Hammond County Highway Department. Surplus items. There's a list of, several items, garbage trucks, crew trucks, small machines, and some other highway equipment that's, surplus." (tc 00:51:54). Last related transcript excerpt: "Can each container on the rear loaders or, hauls about 20 cubic yards. The biggest automated side loaders are 31 yard." (tc 00:52:46).
