New tech aims to improve garbage collection in Rochester

The city of Rochester is using new technology to improve neighborhood garbage pickup.

City leaders say all collection trucks are now equipped with tech that provides them with real-time route info and service updates while documenting issues in the field.

"A driver that comes on doesn't necessarily know this route, [but] this technology will tell them anything they need to know,” said Karen St. Aubin, director of the city of Rochester’s Bureau of Operations. “It will do navigation if they want it to. It will do any on-property, any special service."

The city is also putting out reminders for residents to help keep collection services running smoothly:

"Small changes by residents can make a big difference," Mayor Malik Evans said in a statement. "Our new technology is helping us build a smarter, safer, and more efficient collection system, but it works best when everyone does their part. By placing refuse and recycling containers correctly and having them out on time, residents help keep collections moving smoothly while improving safety for our employees."