City rejects mechanized trash collection

Rejecting a suggestion to save wear and tear on the backs of garbage collectors, Sault Ste. Marie City Council voted tonight to reject mechanized residential trash collection, awarding an eight-year manual collection contract to Municipal Waste and Recycling Consultants (MWRC).

Two weeks ago, councillors asked for more information about lost-time injuries related to lifting refuse into trucks.

They were told tonight that six trash collectors suffered lost-time injuries costing a total of $40,000 in 2007.

However, last year, that was reduced to $1,000 and this year's cost is expected to be about $1,000 as well.

Using an automated arm and the special bins required for mechanized collection would cost an additional $225,000 a year and some councillors expressed concern that it would be slower than manual collection.

MWRC will receive $408,413, or $2.40 a stop per month, during the first year of the eight-year agreement.