Automated garbage collection begins in Idaho Falls

IDAHO FALLS — The city of Idaho Falls officially began its new automated garbage collection system Monday, Aug. 31.

The city dropped its previous method in favor of an improved industry standard. Instead of garbage being manually thrown out from the curb, a mechanical arm will do the job instead.

“It will reduce injuries to our employees, and also over time reduce costs,” Sanitation Superintendent Jordan Rechenmacher said.

Richenmacher said being a garbage man can take its toll on the city employees.

“The solid waste industry, it’s been one of the top ten most dangerous jobs in the world,” Richenmacher said. “With all the moving parts, and the hydraulics. Employees are doing the heavy lifting and (it causes) wear and tear on the body. We’ve seen the job become safer due to advancements in the technology,”

Idaho Falls has already delivered their new garbage containers which can hold up to 95 gallons, compared to the typical 35 gallon can. Nearly 4,200 homes will be converting to the new system during Phase I of the project.

“I think the new system is great. It helps us conserve resources, it’s better for the city in terms of disposal, and it’s even better for the garbage pick up guys because they don’t have to break their backs picking up our stuff,” Idaho Falls resident Randy Crane said.

Lead driver Chris Feliso said the new system is greatly improves the pace of the garbage pick up.

“One automated truck can take care of what two of those trucks can do in one day,” Feliso said.

Over the course of the next three years the city of Idaho Falls, will implement two more phases until the entire city has fully automated garbage collection.