Phone: 208-457-1820
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Residential
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Automated collection is a system of refuse collection that requires a specially designed vehicle and refuse cart. Each home is furnished with a durable and weather-resistant cart that the end-user rolls to the curb collection days. The collection vehicle is equipped with a lifting mechanism that reaches out to the cart, lifts and empties the contents then returns the cart to the curb. The operator never has to leave the vehicle and controls the operation from the driver’s seat. The entire operation takes approximately 10 seconds depending on the system used. More efficient: Only one driver is needed for each route vs. two with traditional methods, offering significant long-term labor savings. And full-automation allows the single driver to serve more households than before. Reduces personnel costs: By eliminating hand-loading of refuse containers there will be a dramatic decrease in worker’s compensation costs, injuries and insurance premiums paid by the city not to mention a reduction in the number of required workers on each route. Also, with the decrease of injuries comes a decrease in the use of overtime paid to employees used to replace those injured. Reduces fuel costs: Automated systems allow the use of fewer route trucks; which can substantially reduce overall fuel costs. Reduces employee turnover: Because automation allows drivers to spend their work day in climate-controlled comfort without significant physical labor, employees are less likely to become injured, improving job satisfaction. Improves aesthetics: By using uniform, durable, animal-proof and weather-resistant carts instead of random homeowner-purchased trash cans, Post Falls will enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing appearance on collection day. Convenient: Automated containers are designed with a handle and wheels that make them easy to roll to the curb for the end-user. In the City of Post Falls the base rate is $8.12 per month effective October 2, 2005. There are, however, significant charges for extras and improper cart placement. Extra garbage will be picked up at $1.69 per 32-gallon can equivalent. Any garbage outside the cart is considered extras. If the lid on the cart is ajar or open, it is considered extras. If your cart is improperly placed, you will be charged $3.75 each time driver assistance is required. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, be aware of the significant charges for improper cart placement and extras. It is highly suggested that if you produce extras on a regular basis that you request a second cart for $6.25 per month and recycle as much as possible. This is the least expensive way to dispose of extras. Your sanitation rate is based on the efficiencies of the automated system, but much higher costs occur when the driver must leave the truck to handle the extras. The new system encourages recycling plus helps reduce extras at curbside. The most cost effective way to deal with extras is to add an additional cart. A delivery fee will be charged along with the regular monthly rate for a second cart. The 96-gallon cart has the same capacity as 3 regular size trash cans. This is sufficient capacity for normal size households. No chemicals, hot ashes or hazardous waste are allowed. Upon receipt of certification by a licensed medical doctor that your health will not permit you to handle the container, steps will be taken to have your container moved to the curb on collection day by someone other than yourself AT NO CHARGE. Residents will be required to place the cart within 2 feet of the curb, and at least 4 feet away from any other cart, recycling bin, telephone poles, vehicles or other obstructions. The customer is responsible for keeping the container clean, but worn out containers will be replaced by the refuse collector. The containers are delivered with an identification number that is assigned to the address. When you move the cart and recycle bin stay at the house. Residents that take the cart can be charged for taking the cart. This situation is rare. If your container is stolen or destroyed, please call Post Falls Sanitation at 457-1820. In most cases your cart will be replaced without charge. Bad weather does not impact this system. However, in cul-de-sacs with a snow pile in the middle, as a result of plowing, it may be necessary to place carts past the curb for the collection truck to be able to maneuver.
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