March 7, 2005
Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release
Avedisian announces implementation of Phase III of automated trash system
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that Phase III of the city’s automated trash collection system will begin the week of April 25. Approximately 8,000 homes will be included in this phase, bringing the total number of residences in the program to roughly 15,000 – about half of all Warwick households.
Last week, residents whose homes will be included in Phase III received letters explaining the automated system, which uses an automated side load vehicle with ah crane-like arm to pick up and empty trash or recyclables into the truck. Special carts – grey for trash, blue for bottles and cans and green for paper products – will start to be delivered the week of April 4.
Neighborhoods to be included in the newest phase are those in the Sandy Lane, Highland Beach, Strawberry Field Road and Greenwood areas, along with portions of the Gaspee area and streets between Jefferson Boulevard and Route 5.
In August 2003, the city implemented Phase I of the program and before long saw a significant increase in the amount of items being recycled, Avedisian said. Between August 2003 and March 2004 the amount of recyclables collected had increased by 230 tons from the August 2002-March 2003 time frame.
The automated system, which has proven very popular with residents, is meant to reduce costs related to on-the-job injuries and to provide for neater and more efficient trash collection, Avedisian said.