Starting in January, Cinnaminson will be making a switch in its trash collection procedures. Aiming to provide residents with a more cost-efficient process and enhance the quality of service, trash collection will switch to an automated program.
The automated trash program will be provided by Republic Services and is designed to make collection easier and cleaner, benefits touted by other municipalities that have implemented similar changes.
“It’s expected to make our environment more sustainable by keeping loose trash away from wildlife and prevent it from blowing into our roadways and neighborhoods,” Business Administrator Eric Schubiger said.
“Additionally, municipalities that switch to automated collection historically see at least a 10 percent reduction in tonnage costs.”
According to Schubiger, the reduction in tonnage cost is due to the container being covered and precluding trash from absorbing rainwater which reduces the additional weight.
Currently, new trash containers with wheels are being delivered to each household to replace all other trash bins. Starting Jan. 8, the containers will be emptied each week by specially outfitted trucks with automated arms. These trucks will lift and empty the container and then place it back at the curb.
Only trash in the containers will be collected.
According to Schubiger, Wednesday and Thursday collections will continue as scheduled. Residents who traditionally put out their cans for collection on Friday will switch to Thursdays under the new system.
Items that do not not fit in the containers will have their own separate day for pickup. These items will be collected the first day of the first full collection week of each month.
Bulk collection for residents on Wednesday collection will be Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. Bulk collections for residents on Thursday collection will be Jan. 9, Feb. 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3.
Residents should place all trash out for collection after noon the day before their scheduled collection or prior to 6:30 a.m. the day of collection. All emptied containers must be removed from curbside within 12 hours after the end of the collection day.
“The Township is looking forward to transitioning to a more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly trash collection operation. While we are confident that this transition represents great progress, we also understand that change requires great leadership and customer service,” Schubiger said.
“Although we have attempted to disseminate information and alerts related to the new service in a variety of ways, we realize that questions will arise, and we are committed to assisting residents in any way possible.”
Residents who want their old trash containers to be collected should simply place the empty container beside the new container on the regular collection day. For more information, contact Republic Services at (856) 234-4000 or the Public Works Department at (856) 829-6000, ext. 2356.
