The City of Madison implemented a new automated collection system Monday to help improve the collection of refuse and recyclable materials.
According to a statement, the automated collection system consists of trucks equipped with robotic arms to collect residents' carts of recycables. In addition, residents are able to choose an appropriately sized collection cart for their household.
The Streets Division will collect the green wheeled carts at the end of residents' curbs.
Only a day after the system's implementation, some Madison residents are already pleased with the newly revised system. Theresa Stabo, member of the City of Madison Commission on the Environment, said she is in favor of the newly advanced system.
\Now I don't have to drive my empty cereal boxes to Fish Hatchery to get them recycled. I can just throw them in the bin, and that's fine with me."" Stabo said.
Commenting on whether the system will improve Madison's environmental state, Stabo added, ""The system will make a difference if the people use it properly.""
Stabo stressed student involvement with recycling on campus by encouraging students to gain access to their recycling system. Stabo recommended that residents, ""Try to buy glass. It's easier to recycle and it's not a petroleum product. Everyone should avoid plastic products and try to avoid aluminum as well [because] some of it is being taken out of the ground.""
However, many university students are unaware of the new automated recycling system or how to even gain access to recycling.
""I haven't even heard about the new recycling system. My roommates and I were never even told how to go about recycling for our apartment complex,"" said sophomore Jimmy Voxman.
While many residents are unaware of the system, others show enthusiasm for future improvements the automated collection system will provide for the city of Madison.
According to Commission on the Environment member Reginald Weide, ""the first day [of the automated collection system] went really well.""
""Wisconsin's always had a history of saving the earth. One of the biggest things students can do is to help save the planet; for university students to preserve the good earth!"" Weide added.
