City of Rochester introduces new collection technology to improve garbage and recycling services across the city
Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester is encouraging residents to help improve garbage and recycling collection by following several simple container placement guidelines as new technology is introduced across the city’s collection system.
Officials said the updated effort is part of Rochester’s continued investment in Smart City technology, which is designed to improve efficiency, increase safety, and provide better service for residents.
Every refuse and recycling collection truck in the city has now been equipped with advanced technology that gives Environmental Service Operators real-time route information, navigation assistance, service updates, and the ability to record collection issues while working in the field.
According to the city, the system has undergone more than a year of testing and implementation before being expanded for use across Rochester.
Officials believe the technology will improve collection routes, reduce unnecessary travel, save taxpayer dollars, and create a safer working environment for collection employees.
Mayor Malik D. Evans said the success of the system also depends on residents doing their part.
“Small changes by residents can make a big difference,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Our new technology is helping us build a smarter, safer, and more efficient collection system, but it works best when everyone does their part. By placing refuse and recycling containers correctly and having them out on time, residents help keep collections moving smoothly while improving safety for our employees.”
Residents encouraged to prepare containers correctly
Because collection routes have been redesigned using the new technology, city officials noted that garbage and recycling trucks may now arrive at different times than residents have become accustomed to.
For that reason, residents are advised not to rely on previous collection times.
Instead, all refuse and recycling containers should be placed at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on the scheduled collection day. Officials said putting containers out the evening before collection is encouraged to ensure they are ready before crews arrive.
The city is also reminding residents to leave at least three feet of space between garbage and recycling containers. Adequate spacing allows automated collection equipment to safely pick up each container without interference.
Residents should also avoid placing containers near parked vehicles, trees, fences, utility poles, or other objects that could block collection trucks or interfere with the automated collection arm.
Another important recommendation is to position containers with the handles facing the house. This allows the truck’s automated lifting equipment to properly grab and empty the containers.
Officials also reminded residents to place household garbage inside the green refuse container and recyclable materials inside the blue recycling container to help ensure materials are collected correctly.
In addition to improving residential collection services, the City of Rochester announced it is currently seeking Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers to join its Environmental Services team. Interested applicants can find additional information and submit applications through the city’s employment website.
Residents with questions about refuse or recycling collection can visit the City’s official refuse and recycling webpage or contact 311 for additional assistance.
City officials said that by combining modern technology with simple cooperation from residents, Rochester can continue building a safer, more efficient, and more reliable waste collection system for neighborhoods across the city.
