There are three reasons why automation requires the use of Republic Services’ carts, not your personal trash cart.
1. Republic Services is responsible for damage done to residents’ property. The claw used for automated services weighs nearly 400 lbs. and requires a significant amount of mechanical grip to lift the carts and transfer waste to the trash trucks. Because of the not-so-gentle nature of the automated machinery, the likelihood of damage done to personal containers is higher when compared to the carts owned by Republic. Additionally, Republic Services stated that it is easier for them to repair or replace their own assets than it is to replace an individual resident’s assets if damage is done.
2. Related to the first reason, Republic Services’ carts are built for enhanced durability with a built-in metal bar and a “thick lip” that reduces the odds of damage to carts over the duration of service delivery.
3. The standardized carts ensure that all residents have the same equipment, which improves efficiency for Republic Services. In some cases, the standardized carts distributed by Republic Services are an improvement for residents. For instance, some residents have trash carts of lesser quality (thin material) or are without wheels. Because of automation, the process of discarding waste will become easier for some residents.