Automated Recycling On Track for 2013

The township's public works department is expected to recommend a vendor for automated recycling trucks in Janary, it was announced at the Dec. 17 township council meeting.

Public Works Director Glenn Campbell said he would be recommending the township purchase Peterbilt trucks with 12-foot robotic arms capable of scooping up so-called "robo-cans" filled with township residents' recyclables.

Each truck is slated to cost $258,000, down from a bid of $303,000 received when the council previously sought proposals last year.

Earlier this year, the township council authorized bonding $3,709,085 in its capital budget for six automated trucks and about 30,000 cans, plus dumpsters for condominium units and schools.

This time, Campbell said, the township tried to do what it could to simplify the bid to a point where more companies would be able to submit proposals. Coincidentally, the best bid came from a company offerring Peterbilt trucks, the same type currently used.

That, in and of itself, could save the township money.

"We've been maintaining Peterbilts for the past 15 years, so the mechanics are familiar with them, and we obviously have an inventory of parts," said Campbell.

Business Administrator Scott Pezarras said the new trucks, if purchased by the council, may be delivered sometime in the spring - possibly as early as the end of April.

The current recycling trucks will be auctioned off, said Campbell, though a couple may be retained for chassis parts.

Township residents will each be issued a 90 gallon robo-can, and switched to a pickup schedule of once every other week once the system is implemented, officials have said.

In other towns, recycling increased once an automated program was started, leading to higher revenue for municipalities by way of state grants and well as lighter tipping fees, part of the cost of traditional trash collection.