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Greensboro Turns to
GPS for Gas-Saving Garbage Collection
June 04, 2007
By ANGELA RODRIGUEZ
FOX8 News
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) -- As gas prices continue to rise, the city
of Greensboro has begun using GPS units and special software to shorten and optimize the efficiency of its garbage collection
routes.
With 123 square miles to cover for weekly pickups of garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk collections,
the city turned to RouteSmart to optimize how its drivers handle their routes.
The program collects data such as
how long each stop was, arrival times and total distance. Using the data, the city sets a standard for how each collection
route should be run.
There are certain limits to the program, however. Some trucks have an automated arm that lifts
and dumps garbage cans. The arm only works on one side of the truck, so streets have to be traveled twice.
The
human factor is still important, though. RouteSmart doesn't take into account one-way streets and restricted turns.
Only a few of the city's fleet of 80 trucks are using RouteSmart, but officials plan to use the program in commercial
collection by the end of summer and then begin to phase in residential routes.
Source: www.myfoxwghp.com
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