(Stillwater)A new automated curbside trash collection will begin this spring in Stillwater. Each residence will receive a blue wheeled trash cart at no additional charge. The Automated Residential Waste Collection Program is more sanitary than standard bag collection; it is also more safe and efficient. The only change residents need to make is to roll the wheeled cart to the curb on their designated day, and the automatic trucks do the rest.

According to David Higgins, Waste Management Director, "Automated waste collection programs are one of the most advanced trash systems in use today. They have been implemented in many cities across the U.S. and Canada with great results."

From September 2008 to February 2009 Stillwater conducted a pilot program on 3,000 local households. The participants were surveyed and their feedback was positive. After this result the Stillwater Utilities Authority Trustees recommended this practice be expanded city wide.

The expansion has two phases, with most households receiving their wheeled carts in April and the rest in July.

The fees for the carts are as follows: one 96 gallon can is $14.60 a month, two 96 gallon cans are $24.85 a month; one 64 gallon can is $12.60 a month, two 64 gallon cans are $22.05 a month; one 48 gallon can is $11.60 a month. Residents may also sign up for house-side service, which is $22.69 for one 96 gallon cart. Rural trash service recipients will automatically receive the 96 gallon cart at $27.50 a month.

You can find a form for your trash carts at http://stillwater.org/waste/automated_survey.php you can also watch a video that will help you determine which cart size if appropriate for your household at http://stillwater.org/content/2010/automated-waste-collection-comingsoon-videos.php