Summer 07
Vol. 12 No. 3

Department to pick up garbage from 85,000 more homes

(page 2 of 2)

The software then describes the most efficient routes for collection drivers.

Telford Birmingham checks a new route proposal with co-workers Bruce Hooper, left, and Steve Warren.

“We did a pilot project at the Southwest Service Center using the new software last September and reduced 19 routes to 16, while picking up at the same amount of stops,” Heasty said.

Because the automatic arms that lift containers are on the truck’s right side, the software prescribed runs consisting of right-turns, Heasty said.

Waiting to turn left across opposing traffic wastes time.

The technology also reduces ‘dead runs’ where a driver has to travel the same street more than once without doing a pickup, Heasty said.

“With this software, SWM can accommodate the additional 85,000 homes, increase efficiency citywide, and eliminate unnecessary routes altogether.”

“This is a landmark for the department,” said Fred Kirwan, division manager at SWM’s Southwest Service Center.

“We’re taking back service areas we contracted out years ago,” Kirwan said. “This proves we can provide cheaper more efficient service than private industry.”

“As the population grew, two-family and four-family units were built on parcels formerly occupied by a one-family structure,” Kirwan said. “The house count became liquid with all the teardowns and rebuilding.

“The new software also caused us to provide the most accurate count.”

The takeover should prove an added boon to residents.

“It’s better for citizens,” said Annette Goldberg, SWM executive staff analyst. “If they have a concern about their service, the city will have direct control over the situation without having to contact the contractor and go through another layer.”

The change won’t affect apartments, most townhouses, or businesses that hire their own contractors under sponsorship agreements with the city.

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