Trash system

City officials say they are happy with the results from the first year of the new automated trash collection system. And considering the record pace at which people are recycling, many city residents are also pleased.

Thanks in part to the convenience of the new system, which doesn't require sorting, the city collected 1,815 tons of recycling -- 714 tons more than collected between May 2009 and April 2010.

There are several benefits to the new system, with the first obviously being more items being recycled and less trash being collected in landfills. But there are others.

Although six new trucks for pickups were purchased in addition to the recycling and garbage bins for residents, the city no longer needs two-man crews and five positions were eliminated through attrition.

The current success of the system is encouraging, but there is more potential good news to come. The city is planning ways to enhance the program. One way is by making recycling available to businesses and apartments, a feature that could come as soon as the summer.

Congratulations to the city on the new system's first year success, and we look forward to more good news going forward.