Frozen trash poses collection problems

(January 8, 2010) - Some citizens may go home to find a bit of trash still in their Big Blue refuse carts.  This is because the extremely cold temperature has frozen some of the trash, and it will not dump out of the carts.

Solid Waste Management and contract crews collect trash in trucks equipped with arms that pick up the carts, empty them into the truck and set them back down.

Crews collect waste from more than 45,000 customers a day.

“We regret this unusual situation and the inconvenience to our customers,” said Jim Linn, manager of Oklahoma City’s solid waste operations.  “However, it’s not possible for drivers to get out of the truck and empty carts by hand.  Routes would not be completed on time, and our employees’ safety would be jeopardized.”

Crews will collect the excess waste during next week’s collections.  Hopefully, the weather will be warm enough to thaw out the trash.

In the meantime, bagging all trash prior to being placed in the cart will likely help the collection efforts and reduce the amount of trash left frozen in the carts.  Bagging also prevents litter and keeps Big Blue refuse carts cleaner throughout the year.