These frequently asked questions are also available as an Acrobat document if you click here.
Omaha’s goal is to update and modernize waste collection to a level used throughout the country. This will be done by using wheeled carts with lids and trucks that automate the collection process. Carts are required because the potential bidders have informed the City that they have no interest in, and would not bid (at least affordably) on a contract that uses manual collection like the City currently uses.
The answers to these frequently asked questions are what City staff is expecting in the next contract based on our research and discussions with potential bidders. The terms of the actual contract will likely differ in some ways.
Updated 07/31/2017
- 1. Must we use a cart?
- Yes. All collection will use carts. There is a possibility that excess material may be allowed using bags but a cart must be out for collection.
- 2. Why are the carts required?
- The collection vehicles have mechanical arms that dump the waste in the top of the truck, out of reach from the worker on the ground.
- 3. Will there only be one size of cart?
- The Contractor’s preference would be that all carts be the same size and manufacture. This makes providing, repairing, and maintaining carts less expensive. During the pilot, many residents expressed a preference for a smaller size cart so two sizes of carts will likely be bid.
- 4. What is the size (volume) of the cart?
- The primary or standard size cart will be 96-gallons. Smaller sized carts currently manufactured are 64, 48, and 32. The City has not yet selected what alternative cart size may be available.
Each manufacturer and each cart volume has different sizes. Here are the dimensions from three manufacturers.
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all measurements in inches Width Depth Height Company A 96-gallon 29.75 35.75 43.25 64-gallon 24.25 31.75 41.75 48-gallon 23.50 28.75 37.50 32-gallon 19.75 24.25 37.50 Company B 96-gallon 28.61 33.33 43.12 64-gallon 26.70 28.11 20.58 32-gallon 18.50 24.50 37.50 Company C 96-gallon 26.00 34.50 46.00 64-gallon 24.00 27.00 41.50 32-gallon 19.00 23.75 27.50 - 6. Will there be a service for the elderly and handicapped?
Yes, the special collection service will continue for households where all residents are either age 70 or older, or have a medical need. The cart can remain up by the home and will be brought to the truck, emptied, and returned to its storage location.
Every home will be issued at least two carts. One for garbage and one for recyclables. If separate yardwaste collection is provided, a third cart will be issued.
The carts will be purchased by the successful bidder for the collection contract.
The collection contractor will purchase the carts, however the City will own the carts at the end of the contract.
The carts will be assembled and delivered to every home by the contractor.
Yes each home is responsible for reasonably protecting and not abusing their carts.
Repairs will be made at no cost to the resident for normal wear and tear. Damage caused by the resident’s negligence, for example putting hot coals in the cart, will require payment to repair or replace the cart.
- The resident is responsible to file a police report. With a police report the cart will be replaced at no cost. Without a police report, the resident must pay for the cart to be replaced.
- You may store the cart either inside your garage/shed, or you may store it outside in a convenient location to your home. The cart may not remain at the curb during the week. It must be brought back from the curb except on collection day.
Associations are expected to be reasonable regarding storage of the carts, as everyone in the neighborhood will have the same issue. Shrubbery or a built screening fence may be a solution if storage in the garage or behind the home is not possible.
The City’s goal is that a reasonable amount of service is provided equitably to all households. The City is examining how additional service can be provided at no cost or a relatively low cost.
No. Some retailers have started selling carts but these carts won’t have the city’s logo on the side and the colors won’t match so the contractor will not empty these carts. Again, the City’s goal is that a reasonable amount of service is provided equitably to all households.
The mechanical arm of the truck is designed to reach out far enough to pick up the cart. If the cart is blocked it is possible for the driver to move the cart to a better location. In areas with very dense on street parking, a semi-automated collection truck may be used. Semi-automated collection trucks require that the driver, or a helper, brings the cart to the truck for collection.
Any weight limit would be to prevent damage to the cart and would be upwards of 200 pounds. A cart full of grass clippings would fall within the weight limit.
- 20. How will I dispose of my current trash cans when I get a cart?
- Some opportunity/method of disposal or recycling will be provided.
Delivering carts to Omaha’s 140,000 collection addresses will take many months. Therefore the switch to carts will be done in phases by a plan developed in conjunction with the new contractor. Carts will be delivered to an area just a few weeks prior to the area starting the new cart collection program.