Rolling into the future: Wilmington’s new trash trucks debut

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington is introducing a new system for curbside trash removal with a fleet of automated trucks. These new automated “side-loader trucks” will be operational starting Monday, September 23rd.

The city is adding nine of these advanced trucks, which come with new trash collection routes.

Unlike the current rear-load trucks that require two to three workers per vehicle, the new side-loaders need only one operator—the driver.

David Mayes, Director of Wilmington’s Public Works Department, highlights the safety benefits of the new trucks: “I tell all our new employees that growing up, your mom says not to play in the street because it’s dangerous. Much of our work happens out in the street, so using equipment like this is a huge benefit—not just for the city but also for attracting new workers.”

When the new trucks start operating next week, homeowners should ensure their cart lids are fully closed and that the handles and wheels of their carts are facing towards their house.

Additionally, nearly one-third of the city’s trash customers will have a new collection routes.

To find out if your collection route has changed go to wilmingtonnc.gov/modernize.