AUTOMATED COLLECTION OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE / RECYLABLES
Fact and Information Sheet

Which areas of Jacksonville are switching to the automated collection method?
All areas currently served by Southland Waste Systems (Republic Services), including approximately
71,000 residences in Arlington, Mayport, and on the Northside will convert to the automated method.
Jacksonville Beach has been using automated collection since 2007.

Why did the City of Jacksonville switch to the automated collection method?
Conversion to automated collection is expected to yield significant benefits to the City:
o Fully-Automated trucks are expected to improve service and customer satisfaction and bring
about safer working conditions and higher collection productivity.
o Fuel savings are expected to be ≈$500,000/year through using trucks run by natural gas.
o Neighborhood aesthetics will improve (see photos on back page). Currently, containers vary in
size, shape, and quantity, with some customers using no containers, just placing bags at the curb.
o Automated collection should reduce driver and helper exposure to injuries and the possibility of
being hit by a vehicle while working. Southland is investing $15 million for 28 new trucks,
145,000 carts, plus all other transition costs and believes the reduction of exposure to accidents
and injuries will offset the investment over time.
o A new single-stream recycling method, which eliminates the need for customers to sort
recyclables, should improve current recycling by 50% and is expected to increase annual
revenues to the City by an additional $500,000. Also, the method brings Jacksonville closer to
achieving state-mandated goals that require 75% of household waste to be recycled by 2020.
o Southland is building a $17 million state-of-the-art recycling facility in Jacksonville that is
expected to add 25 full-time jobs to the local economy.

What type of container is required for automated collection?
o Durable 96-gallon carts with tight-fitting, fixed lids and strong wheels will be required for collection
of household waste and recyclables. Two 96-gallon carts will be provided at no charge to each
residence in the service area; one for household waste, one for recycling. Carts hold the equivalent
of three large garbage cans (or over five of the 18-gallon recycling bins), provide a clean, uniform
appearance on the street, and reduce or eliminate spillage, litter, and animal scavenging. If a
customer believes the 96-gallon carts are too large, smaller 64-gallon carts will be provided upon
request. The new carts will provide customers with additional capacity, ease of handling and, with
regard to recyclables, eliminate the need to sort (due to single-stream).
o Beginning March 5, 2012, a 96-gallon cart will be on-display for a limited time at both the Regency
Library (9900 Regency Square Blvd) and University Park Library (3435 University Blvd N).

Will pick-up of solid waste and recycling remain weekly or change to bi-weekly? Will pick-up days
change?
Household solid waste pick-up and current yard waste pick-up will remain weekly. Recycling collection
will change to bi-weekly. Southland confirmed it is re-routing its entire service area and the collection
schedule will change. Customers will be notified as to when the new pick-up days will be.

When will the automated method be implemented?
The cart distribution process is set to begin mid-April 2012 and run through May 2012. The target start
date for automated collection is Monday, June 4, 2012. Southland’s marketing manager is working with
a local firm to develop comprehensive information literature to be delivered along with the carts
including collection schedules, refrigerator magnets and/or calendars. Prior to cart delivery, customers
will be notified about the cart delivery process and start date either by door hangars or mail-outs.

How are carts accounted for? May additional carts be purchased? What if a cart is stolen?
Carts will be assigned by address and the City of Jacksonville will be provided a list of what is delivered
to each address and will track cart movement. Carts should remain with an address even when residents
move. Additional carts beyond the initial two provided may be purchased for $65. The carts will have a
City of Jacksonville logo and serial numbers for tracking purposes, which will aid the City in recovering
them in the event of theft. The City plans to monitor activities during the initial 6-12 month period and
develop a replacement policy based on incidences of stolen carts. Customers may call 630-CITY to
report a stolen cart and request a replacement.

In other areas where automated collection takes place, have there been many reports of vermin
getting into carts?
Southland is unaware of any vermin-related issues. Carts have tight-fitting, hinged lids.

What if a waste item is too bulky and will not fit into a cart (i.e., barbecue grill)?
Southland will run “bulk trucks” daily to provide bulk item collection. Customers may call and schedule
a bulk item pick-up; however, drivers will also call-in bulk items to be routed and collected the
following business day. A special truck will also be used for “white goods” (appliances).

Who is the best contact if there are additional questions/concerns?
Andy Barker, Operations Manager for Southland’s Jacksonville Division
o Telephone: 904-350-8118
o Email: ABarker@RepublicServices.com
Current Method
With Automated
Method