Department of Public Works
Refuse Study Results and Options

In June 2004, the City of Rockville hired the consulting firm of R.W. Beck to conduct a study of the City's regular refuse program (recycling was not included in the study).

After reviewing initial data and observations, the consultant was asked to look at the following five alternative scenarios:

 Scenario 1: Eliminate backdoor collection for refuse
 Scenario 2: Convert to fully-automated refuse collection on a twice per week service schedule
 Scenario 3: Convert to fully-automated refuse collection on a once per week service schedule
 Scenario 4: Convert to semi-automated refuse collection on a once per week service schedule
 Scenario 5: Eliminate the chipper route and use rearloaders to collect all yard waste

The following is a summary of the projected annual cost savings of each of the five scenarios:

• Memo from Director of Public Works Eugene H. Cranor
• Solid Waste Collection Efficiency Evaluation prepared by R.W. Beck, Consultant, September 2004
• Consultant's Briefing presented to Mayor and Council, September 13, 2004