FAQs

What is automated collection?

Automated collection is a totally unique system.  Each home is provided a 96 gallon trash Toter, which the resident rolls to the street on collection day.  The garbage truck, equipped with a lifting mechanism will lift and dump the container.  The operator almost never leaves the truck cab but controls the entire process from the driver seat. 

Why is automation better?

The most important feature is that of reducing injuries related to continuously lifting and dumping heavy trash into the garbage truck.  Secondly, automation is efficient.  The automation process takes about 10 seconds per stop compared to close to a minute per stop with manual pick-up.

What are additional benefits?

The automated truck requires one person to operate and collect trash compared to three employees operating and collecting trash with a rear load vehicle.  Long term financial savings in labor costs can be achieved.  Manual labor can put workers at risk for injuries.  Insurance and workers compensation claims are reduced thereby reducing insurance premiums paid by the City.  Stay on lids and bagged trash all but eliminates windblown litter thereby improving the neighborhood appearance.

Will the introduction of automated service mean layoffs?

No.  The employees will be transferred from the Sanitation Department to the City Street Department and be employed to perform other services throughout the City.

What will the City do with the existing trash trucks?

The City currently owns ten (10) trash trucks.  Five (5) of those trucks are either beyond repair or the cost to repair them is prohibitive.  Two of the remaining five (5) are relatively new having been purchased in 2008 and 2009 respectively.  The other three (3) trucks are being re-conditioned to serve as back-up and to allow regularly scheduled preventative maintenance to be performed on the trucks as should be done thereby allowing a reliable fleet of trucks to be available for service.

Why is the container called a “Toter”?

Toter is the name of the company that manufactures the container.  When speaking of trash containers it should be more easily understood by everyone what a trash container is if called a “Toter”.

Will there be an extra charge for use of the Toter?

No.  The Toter is the property of the City of Lawrence provided to each Lawrence household.

What happens if my Toter is damaged?  Will I be charged for repairs or replacement?  Who do I contact for repairs?

First, the Toters are extremely durable and can withstand even the toughest abuse.  If a Toter is damaged by the City Sanitation Department, the City will repair or replace a container.   If the Toter is damaged due to misuse by the homeowner, the City will repair or replace the Toter.  The cost of repair or replacement will be billed to the homeowner. 

If the Toter is damaged, report the damage to the Sanitation Department at (317) 823 – 8959 between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

What if my Toter is stolen?

If the Toter is stolen, the resident must file a report with the Lawrence Police Department.  Upon verification from the Lawrence Police Department the City will replace the container free of charge.

Will a 96 gallon Toter sufficient for my needs?

National studies indicate the 96 gallon Toter (3 regular size trash cans) are adequate for an average family. 

May I use my old trash container in place of the Toter or in addition to the Toter?

Only Toter containers will be collected by the City Sanitation Department.  If the resident desires, the resident’s trash containers may be disposed of as recyclable material which the City Sanitation Department will collect, donated to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other agency for charitable purposes.

Why do I have to place my refuse in a bag before placing it into the Toter?

The new trucks and the trucks retrofitted with rear load lifting devices are much more efficient and take less time at each collection stop.  Inclement or windy weather can cause loose trash to be blown about and creates additional work for the sanitation personnel in retrieving the loose trash. 

Why so much emphasis on having the Toter lid closed?

Tipping (or dumping) fees paid by the City are based on weight of the trash being dumped.  If the Toter lids are left in the open position, rain and snow can add to the weight of the trash.  Since water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon, it does not take much rain or snow to add extra, unnecessary weight to the trash and increases the cost of disposal.