New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford has partnered with ABC Disposal to implement a new curbside collection program for trash and recyclables designed to increase citywide recycling, reduce litter and decrease the amount of trash sent to the Crapo Hill landfill.
Beginning on June 23, 2014 throughout New Bedford, ABC Disposal will collect trash and recycling in wheeled carts. The carts will be emptied by automated trucks with mechanized arms. The new trucks will be fueled by compressed natural gas which is cleaner and more efficient than diesel.
Residents and businesses will no longer need to separate recyclable material into multiple bins. Customers will place all recyclable bottles, cans, paper and cardboard in a cart with an orange lid. All acceptable trash will be placed in a cart with a blue lid. Trash and recyclables left outside the carts will not be collected and may result in a fine.
A list of FAQ’s is available here: http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/facilities-fleet-management/automated-collection-program/
This new system sounds awesome, in theory. In nice neighborhoods consisting of single family homes this system will work well. If you know New Bedford then you know there are many streets with 3+ tenant apartments. The people are packed in liked sardines in a sardine can. Parking is limited, thus space for these carts to be placed 2 feet apart will be nearly impossible with cars on every curb and no where else to go.
I’m not a total hater of the system but I believe that this whole idea wasn’t given enough thought before a whole bunch of money was put into a system that in most parts or New Bedford will never work.