That's an excellent and practical question! The short answer is a resounding yes, but with one crucial condition: the outdoor trash cans must be specifically designed for it. Let's break down how this modern waste collection system works.
Standard outdoor trash cans, like the basic round bins you might have at home, are not compatible. Automated garbage trucks, often called Automated Side Loaders (ASLs), require special carts. These are typically heavy-duty, wheeled bins with a standardized design. The most important feature is a metal bar on the front or top. This bar is what the truck's robotic arm grips, lifts, and uses to empty the contents into the hopper.
For this process to be seamless, the bin must be the correct type, size, and placed properly. Most municipalities that use these trucks provide or mandate the use of specific carts, often in 65-gallon or 95-gallon sizes. On collection day, you simply wheel your bin to the curb, ensuring there is at least three feet of clearance on all sides and that the metal bar is facing the street. The driver positions the truck, and the robotic arm does the rest, lifting, emptying, and returning the bin in a matter of seconds.
This system is a game-changer for efficiency and sanitation. It's faster, reduces labor costs, and minimizes physical contact with waste. So, if your community is served by these advanced trucks, your provided bin is absolutely designed for easy, automated emptying. If you're using a personal bin, you'll likely need to upgrade to an approved model to enjoy the same convenience.