Syracuse Waste Collection & Recycling Program Study

What was the challenge?

For decades, aging equipment and limited staffing prevented the City from advancing its sanitation collection program. B&L’s study was the first step in evaluating alternative options for a better system. Various collection vehicle options were examined, including rear-end loaders, side-loaders, and front-end loaders. Additionally, multiple collection methods were evaluated, such as manual, semi-automated, and fully-automated collection. Ultimately, an optimized pickup schedule, semi-automated collection vehicles, and City-supplied 96-gallon trash/recycling carts were agreed upon.

Once the desired option was selected, the challenge was to implement a collection change across the entire city with buy-in from the sanitation staff, the City Council, and the public.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

B&L’s expertise in the solid waste management industry allowed us to explore various options and scenarios for the betterment of the collection workers and the community. B&L has been available for technical and industry recommendations throughout the process of transitioning to City-provided trash and recycling carts. The new carts were rolled out in phases, while social media and direct mailers ensured widespread adoption of the new policies.

Through route optimization, the City was able to reduce the number of sanitation routes to twelve weekly routes, and the recycling routes to six biweekly routes. The consolidated routes limit total vehicle miles traveled. A reduction of over 16,000 miles traveled annually was realized with optimization, which equated to 3,339 gallons of diesel fuel saved as well.

Why was the project a success?

An important aspect of this project was getting consensus from the sanitation staff and the City Council. A complete shift in how trash is collected city-wide is a significant undertaking; however, City staff was determined to make the transition a success. Once an agreed-upon plan of action was in place, the team worked together to ensure the roll-out of the trash carts city-wide was successful.

The ultimate goal of the project was to improve the program’s safety and improve the character of the City by reducing litter and creating uniformity among the waste bins. With the help of B&L, public engagement efforts have resulted in a 99.98% compliance rate. The new sanitation vehicles feature automated arms designed to fit the new trash carts. Staff load
each cart onto the arms, and it does the heavy lifting. This led to a 57% decrease in shoulder injury costs within the first year, and eventually 0 shoulder injuries in 2025.