New BPU standard garbage container will start to be delivered to residential customers on May 10 for the new “Assigned Garbage Container Program.” BPU officials anticipate delivery of 14,000 containers to customers will take three to four weeks. Submitted photo

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities will begin delivering 95-gallon garbage containers to residential customers May 10.

BPU officials, as noted Wednesday, anticipate it will take three to four weeks to deliver the 14,000 containers.

The new containers is part of the BPU’s new “Assigned Garbage Container Program.” The containers are the property of the utility company and are assigned to each service address. Customers may begin using the containers as soon as they receive them. The program formally starts July 1.

Each container is numbered, identifying the residence where the container is assigned, which is similar to the numbered recycling bins that are currently assigned. The numbered containers remain with their designated residences and must be left behind when residents move out of the property. Residents may write their service addresses on their assigned containers with marker to help keep track of which container is assigned to each residence.

The use of standard containers means that BPU garbage collection will be semi-automated, with one employee driving each truck and a second employee wheeling containers into place behind the vehicle where a tipping mechanism will empty the bagged garbage into the truck. The tipping mechanisms have been installed on the BPU’s existing fleet of trucks.

The updated method of garbage collection is anticipated to reduce the number of worker injuries caused by repetitive heavy lifting. Additionally, as workers will not touch garbage bags as part of the new process, they will avoid harm caused by needles, other sharp objects or chemicals sometimes found in garbage bags.

In addition to increased employee safety, the upgraded collection process is expected to reduce litter, odor and pest problems in neighborhoods and improve the safety and cleanliness of the city. Each container will include an attached lid, with larger wheels that make the container easy to push.

The BPU garbage containers are made specifically to fit BPU tipping mechanisms, meaning that older containers not assigned by the utility may not be used for overflow garbage. Customers should place bagged garbage in the containers and no overflow garbage may be left on the ground without incurring a fee of $25 per occurrence and a $5 per bag fee.

If needed, customers also may request that an additional BPU-issued garbage container or containers be assigned to their addresses for an extra flat monthly fee by contacting the garbage hotline at 661-1651. Extra containers may be requested for a minimum period of six months.

If a customer has an unusual amount of garbage that will not fit in the BPU-issued container for an upcoming week, the customer can call the garbage hotline to request an extra collection in any given week on the day before or the day after their regular garbage day for a fee of $10. As of July, residents can also schedule an extra collection themselves by completing an online form on the BPU’s customer portal under “My Account” at www.jamestownbpu.com.

If, after using the container, customers believe that the size will not work for them, the BPU will offer a smaller 35-gallon container for customers with physical needs or space limitations. An application for an exception to the standard-sized BPU garbage container may be requested by calling the garbage hotline or the BPU customer service office at 661-1660.

Customers still may discard four extra items each week on their normal garbage collection days. Such items must weigh no more than 40 pounds each, be no larger in volume than a single bag of trash and be easily carried by one employee.

The electronic and large item collection service remains available to customers with an appointment and a fee. Special collection appointments still may be made by calling the garbage hotline or by completing an online form under My Account at www.jamestownbpu.com.