New!! Automated Toter Service in Post Falls.

Dear Customer,

Congratulations, your area has been selected to participate in the new automated collection program.

We know that change does not come easily for anyone; especially when your garbage collection process has been the same for many years, however change for the better is always good. Automated garbage collection is by far the most efficient, technologically advanced, and cost effective system available today.

This brochure has been prepared to increase your understanding of the new automated system. It is important that you understand the changes in the new system. We hope this brochure answers many of your questions.

The implementation of this new system will save you, our customer, money over the long term. Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions about the new automated system that have not been answered, please call our office at (208) 457-1820 or see our website at www.cdagarbage.com.

Sincerely,

Philip L. Damiano
General Manager
Coeur d’Alene Garbage Service
Post Falls Sanitation

Download the printable brochure.

1. What is Automated Collection?
   
   Automated Collection is a totally unique system of residential refuse collection. Each home is furnished with a special container which the householder rolls to the end of the driveway on collection day. The garbage truck, equipped with a lifting mechanism on the side, will pull up to the container. The operator never leaves the truck cab, but controls the entire loading operation from his right hand drive seat. The whole process takes only about 10 seconds. After collection, the resident rolls the durable, weather-resistant container back to either its indoor or outdoor storage place.
2. Why is Automated Collection better than traditional methods?
   • The most important feature of automated systems is that it allows Coeur d’Alene Garbage Service/Post Falls Sanitation to collect garbage much more efficiently.
   • It will help stabilize cost while improving service.
   • Automation eliminates manual loading, thus reducing job related injuries.
   • Coeur d’Alene Garbage/Post Falls Sanitation supplies extremely durable containers with close fitting lids (toter). This eliminates expense on your part for personal cans. Litter, odor and fly problems are greatly reduced.
   • The curbside containers are maneuverable and easy to roll. No more strained backs from “carrying out the garbage.”
3. What will it cost me – the homeowner?
   
   See separate rate schedule for your area.
4. May I continue to use my old container?
   
   Because the new automated truck will pick up ONLY the new containers, your old trash cans cannot be used. The new containers are sized to equal your old cans and should adequately hold your trash.
   Start using your new cart as soon as it is delivered.
5. What kind of refuse can I put in the container?
   
   Typical household and miscellaneous trash of course. In the interest of container cleanliness, we encourage you to use plastic bags for wet garbage and to occasionally hose out your container. Be sure to continue recycling your recyclables.

Items that should NOT be placed in the new containers include: large quantities of dirt, sod or rock, large appliances or furniture, flammable materials such as oil, gas or paint, concrete, hot ashes, and debris from construction, remodeling or demolition.

The durable plastic material is impervious to odors and household chemicals. It does not corrode, or deteriorate and It’s RUSTPROOF!

6. Will residents set out the containers in time for early morning collection?
   
   Residents usually learn to work with the system in order to benefit from its advantages. Occasionally, customers call in “misses” where they have put their containers out too late. In order to deal with this problem, operators will be instructed to make a note of addresses where containers were not out for collection so customers can be informed and requirements enforced. Where collections occur early, customers soon learn to set the container out the night before. Residential service begins at 6:30 a.m. each day.
7. What about occasional extras?
   
   Neatly place extras in bags 3 feet from the container. The driver will empty your container, re-load it and empty it again. There is an additional charge for this service. See separate rate schedule for “extras” fees. Each time the collection route driver leaves the truck to dump extras or to reposition the cart, the efficiencies of the automated system are reduced. Thus, there are significant charges for extras and driver assistance to reposition the cart. If you produce extras on a regular basis, we highly suggest that you request a second cart (see separate rate schedule for your area) and recycle as much as possible. This is the least expensive way to dispose of extras.
8. What about pack-out service?
   
   If you are paying for pack-out service, simply place your new container where your cans are currently stored. The driver will bring your container to the truck and return it when emptied. This is an extra service and charged accordingly.
9. What will you do if a medical (or physical) condition prohibits my handling the container?
   
   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.
10. What about parking on collection days?
    
    “So that the collection truck can easily approach the containers, we ask that you do not park at the curb within ten (10) feet of carts on collection day.” This simple request has had remarkable effectiveness, even in areas that were considered to be sure problems.
11. Where do I place my toter for collection?
    
    NO MORE ALLEY PICKUP
    Please place your container face forward at the corner of your driveway within 2 feet of the curb. Your toter must not be placed within 3 feet of your mailbox. If you have multiple toter service, keep 3 feet between each toter. Extra fees will be charged for toters not placed properly at the curbside. See schedule of fees.
12. What if vehicles block containers in the street
    
    At the curb it is a simple matter to avoid parking conflicts by requiring containers to be placed at the corner of the driveway. Unless householders park in front of the driveway, the container will be accessible. In those few locations where parking is an extreme problem, or where sidewalks are narrow, many cities ask residents to place containers in the gutter beside the curb, and to park autos so as to accommodate the new system.
13. How does the system work in inclement weather?
    
    The containers are tested to withstand temperature extremes from -60° below zero F to 200° above zero F. Users in snowy areas like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Montana have shown that the system works well in adverse weather conditions. The wide wheels (2 1/2”) ride well on snow and users comment that the container is surprisingly easy to roll out with snow on the ground. In winter it may be necessary to place your cart on the street side of the snowplowed berm. In cul-de-sacs it is important to place your cart so the collection vehicle can reach it.
14. Who replaces damaged containers?
    
    Coeur d’Alene Garbage Service/Post Falls Sanitation expects householders or vandals who damage containers to replace them. Molded containers are extremely durable and can withstand even the toughest abuse, however, containers which fail in normal use are replaced by us under the terms of the standard warranty policy.
15. What happens when a householder moves?
    
    They leave their container for use by the next resident. In spite of its apparent convenience as a storage bin for household effects, very few containers “disappear” when residents move. The containers are a bit awkward in the trunk of a car or back of a pickup. At any rate, loss from theft or moving is easy to trace since our company name is permanently applied to each container.
16. What if my container is stolen or destroyed?
    
    Each household will receive one cart when the new system begins. Although stolen carts are somewhat rare, it can happen. In this situation Coeur d’Alene Garbage/Post Falls Sanitation will replace the cart at no charge to the customer. We will, however, record the serial number of each cart and try to recover any stolen carts.
17. Most important things to remember…
    • No more alley pickup
    • Start using your cart as soon as it is delivered
    • Place the cart correctly at the curbside
    • Be aware of significant charges for extras and driver assistance to reposition your cart.
    • Leave the cart when you move.
    • Each time the driver leaves the cab it reduces the efficiencies of the automated system, which in time will increase the rate that our customers pay.

© 2004 Coeur d'Alene Garbage Service / Post Falls Sanitation, all rights reserved.