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Correct Placement of Trash and Recycling Containers

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Above is an example of how carts should be placed for collection.

Over the past couple of months, there have been some issues with residents crowding their trash and recycling containers too closely together on pick-up day.

The current method of pick-up for the trash and recycling containers is performed by a truck with an automatic arm controlled by the driver of the truck. This system reduces labor costs and has proven to be much more efficient than previous methods. However, the trash and recycling Êcontainers must have 1.5 to 2 feet of clearance on each side to allow the automatic arm room to pick the container up.

If the operator of the truck has to continually get out and reposition the cans for pick-up, the efficiency of our system decreases drastically.

The brown recycling container requires the same clearance as the green trash container.

Although we do not wish to cause increased hardship for our citizens, we do ask for your help in ensuring that our waste management system continues to operate smoothly by allowing sufficient pick-up clearance for the green trash container. Thanks, and keep recycling!

If you have ideas about how to make less waste, please send them to Amy Oliver at the City of Saco's Solid Waste Department. Be sure to let us know if we have your permission to include your name if your idea or letter is reprinted in the column. As always, thank you for your interest and commitment to recycling.