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Council questions safety, equipment and scheduling for backyard bulk pickups
Summary
Council members pressed Public Works about safety, weight limits and how residents will be notified for backyard bulk pickup; Director Farrell said there will be no arbitrary weight limits but the city will control by item type and use equipment to avoid manual lifting, and residents will receive a day-ahead notice by phone or email.
During the work session on June 8, council members sought assurances that the city’s backyard bulk-pickup pilot will protect staff and handle large or heavy items safely. One council member asked whether there would be a weight or size limit for items; Director Farrell replied the city will not set a weight limit but will manage service by item type and quantity, and that crews will use equipment to avoid manual lifting.
Farrell told council that the refuse superintendent has equipment to safely handle large items and that the department is hiring staff in advance of the truck’s arrival so crews can be trained on safe handling protocols. On resident notification, Farrell said the city will contact households by the resident’s preferred method and aims to notify them the day before scheduled pickup. The pilot’s scheduling window is Monday through Thursday with requests taken three to five days in advance.
