When it comes to trash collection, the city of Buckley is transitioning toward a modern, automated system.

Actually, the change is a joint effort of the city and its contractor, DM Disposal. The city does the billing and manages the utility while DM Disposal is paid for providing the service.

By mid-December, residents inside the city limits will no longer provide their own garbage cans. Instead, they will be receiving a wheeled container that is emptied with a mechanical arm extending from the collection vehicle. It’s the same type of system used for recycling and yard waste disposal, services already received by Buckley customers.

Three key dates loom for city customers:

• by Nov. 30, customers need to let the city know if they wish to change their level of service by calling 360-761-7810 (no need to call if there’s no change in service level);

• during the week of Dec. 7-13, the new, forest-green carts – which remain the property of DM Disposal – will be delivered;

• Dec. 14 will be the first day of automated collections.

The new carts are available in a variety of sizes, from 10-gallon containers to large 96-gallon carts. The 10-gallon service consists of a small insert inside a 24-gallon cart.

Current fees will remain in effect for the next few months, through the end of February. Those monthly rates will be $16.28 for a 10-gallon container; $20.66 for a 24-gallon cart; $50.02 for a 64-gallon cart; and $70.46 for a 96-gallon cart.

Typically, rates are reviewed in March.

On the first day of the automated service, DM Disposal will pick up any trash cans residents have been using and want to dispose of. More information on that recycling program will be coming prior to mid-December.