New technology helps Milton tackle trash troubles, saving time and taxpayer dollars

MILTON, Fla. — A new initiative in Milton is saving time and taxpayer dollars.

This comes after looming concerns over trash pick up in the city.

The city ran a trial run on this system in November, then fully implemented it in December

In just over a month, Milton city staff say there has been a positive response from both workers and the residents.

Milton residents have two days a week to put their garbage on the curb for collection. At least that’s the expectation.

“My small day — I have 706, that’s my small day,” sanitation worker Rashad Tart said.

For sanitation workers like Tart, there has been one concern — some people putting out their trash after the truck comes through.

“We used to get work orders that say missed garbage, and it’s like we’re not doing our job,” Tart said. “And that’s not true. It wasn’t out.”

City staff takes these types of calls daily. Drivers often turn around and making a second loop to pick up the trash.

The concern is this costs workers extra trips to the county landfill — and more money from the city.

Now Milton staffers are implementing a solution.

“This program is going to help our drivers and the city save some time, save some money,” said Christie Youmans, administrative assistant for City of Milton.

It’s called “Routeware.” Sanitation workers now have an iPad with this software during pickup.

If a resident doesn’t set their trash can out for collection — operators like Tart take a photo for documentation. But they won’t go back that day to pick it up.

The goal is to cut costs for overtime, fuel, and vehicle maintenance.

City staff estimate this will save the city at least $20,000 taxpayer dollars.

Staff say the savings could be even more by the end of the year.

“All in all, it’s very good thing that we’re doing here,” Youmans said. “It’s going to be very positive for the community.”

She adds the upfront cost for the Routware system was $8,000.

The program will cost $3,000 every year moving forward.

Currently, drivers are taking all of the photos manually. In just a few weeks, the city will install dash cameras that will constantly roll during collection.

The goal is to cut down on documentation time.