The city of Cortez plans to fully transition to single-driver, automated garbage trucks in March, a process that began in 2022 and is more than 60% complete.
The last two remaining residential service areas will be transitioned to the system beginning the week of March 3, according to Refuse/Recycling Superintendent Colby Earley. The areas lie between:
- South Madison Street, Seventh Street and Broadway on Tuesdays.
- North Madison Street, Empire Street and Broadway on Thursdays.
“The week of March 3, we will work on education training outreach and address site issues with residents,” Earley said. “These trucks use only one driver but need room to operate safely, from things like overhead utility lines and tight obstructing alleys or utility easements that are commonplace in and around Cortez.”
Earley said the transition is part of a “modernization” process.
“This process started in 2022, first with addressing current infrastructure of the time and second by properly sizing and rotating trucks out of the fleet while onboarding appropriate technology,” Earley said.
One automated residential truck route can average more than 900 services in a day.
“These efficient trucks and subsequent routes are an industry standard and are hailed for efficiency and employee safety. They are a great investment for our valued employees, reducing the need for repetitive manual labor and the subsequent injuries employees can and do historically sustain from those actions both here and abroad where older techniques are used,” Earley said. “The city has taken great steps to invest in their employees’ health and safety with these modern systems that while relatively new to our area, have been widely adopted for those obvious reasons.”
Elderly and disabled residents may apply for door service. After the application is approved, drivers will grab the trash carts from the house and return it to the house.
Applications can be picked up at City Hall, the city service center or can be downloaded through the city’s website.
Removal of recycling materials or residential yard debris will continue to be picked up curbside.
For information or for help with choosing a polycart site, call (970) 565-7320.
