In Plano, the future of garbage and recycling collection has arrived.
The city will soon begin using dual-armed Labrie trucks to pick up trash.
City officials say the two trucks are the only ones in the state that allow operators to pick up bins on both sides of the street or alley at once.
"This truck will allow us to pass through an alley just one time," said Steve Funk, Plano's Environmental Waste Superintendent.
Other trucks only collect from one side at a time, meaning they must turn around and make another pass to collect trash from the other side of the alley.
However, Plano sees the dual-arm technology as an opportunity to increase productivity.
"We expect to see a 15-20% improvement in productivity from the drivers," Funk said.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
While much of the actual driving is the same, operators have to adjust to new technology.
However, Funk says they expect to save money across the board, from mileage and gas, to wear and tear and maintenance.
The city also says the trucks reduce potential for vehicle accidents in the alley by 50 percent.
