**UPDATE**
As there have been a number of additional questions regarding the below PSA – we have added an FAQ to our website.
*********************Original Release********************************
HIGH RIVER, AB: As part of the Town’s new asset management strategy, the Operations Division will soon be implementing a new garbage pick-up system in High River.
Starting the second week of April, residential garbage carts will be equipped with a radio-frequency Identification (RFID) tag that links each cart with their assigned address. Crews will begin to use the new technology on the trucks to scan the RFID as they work through their routes.
By scanning each tag on the carts, drivers will be able to easily monitor and track their routes and record successful and/or unsuccessful pick-ups.
Previously, pick-ups may have been unsuccessful, and may have resulted in drivers being called back to a location because:
- Carts were placed too close to objects
- Carts were not placed on the curb by 7 a.m.
- Carts were overfilled or contained prohibited materials/contaminants
With the new system, Operations staff will be able to look up a customer’s address in the system and communicate the reason that the pick-up was unsuccessful, therefore correcting these errors for future pick-ups and successfully reinforcing the correct placement methods for residents.
The new technology will minimize the need to send trucks back out to collect improperly placed or overfilled carts and will also facilitate the recovery of stolen or misplaced carts while maintaining an accurate cart inventory.
Beginning Wednesday April 11, crews will begin adding the tags to carts in the Eagleview area during their regular garbage pick-up day. Remaining neighbourhoods will have their carts tagged on their regular garbage pick-up day over the next six to eight months.
The Town asks that residents make sure their carts are out on their regular garbage collection day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., even if carts do not need tipped. This will allow Town staff to tag all of the carts in their inventory.
Questions can be directed to the Town’s main Operations line at 403-652-4657.