The city of Chattanooga launched four new litter collection trucks Monday as part of its Keep Chattanooga Beautiful initiative, an effort to reduce litter along city streets, in neighborhoods and near waterways.
The trucks, which cost slightly more than $300,000 each, represent a total equipment investment of more than $1.2 million. Each is equipped with a vacuum system designed to collect litter along roadsides and will operate with a crew responsible for collecting larger debris, including discarded tires and other items that cannot be picked up by the vacuum equipment.
Rick Colston, director of citywide services, says Chattanooga will be divided into four service areas, with one truck and crew assigned to each.
The service areas will cover Lookout Valley and St. Elmo; North Chattanooga and Hixson; Brainerd and East Chattanooga; and East Brainerd and the Highway 58 area.
Colston says crews will follow daily routes at approximately 4 mph, covering more than 30 miles a day while also responding to service requests submitted by residents.
The trucks will vacuum litter along roadsides, while accompanying crews will extend their reach by collecting larger debris and trash beyond the trucks’ range.
The city also plans to track the program’s effectiveness by measuring the weight of litter collected, along with the number of trash bags and tires removed.
Colston says the trucks can also be used to collect leaves when necessary, providing additional equipment for the city’s seasonal leaf collection program, which also began Monday.
The rollout is part of a broader cleanup strategy introduced in June by Public Works Administrator Jerramy Wood.
Harold Williams, Chattanooga’s director of public affairs, says the initiative will involve neighborhood associations, businesses and multiple city departments.
“We have to keep one Chattanooga litter free,” Williams says.
The initiative includes a new Keep Chattanooga Beautiful logo, designed by Melony Collins, a graphics and technology specialist with the city. The logo will appear on the litter trucks, and Williams says the city is also considering branded merchandise to promote the campaign.
The city’s Stormwater Department will also participate in the effort by identifying locations for 20 litter interceptors to be installed in stormwater catch basins. The devices are intended to capture trash before it enters the city’s drainage system and waterways.
Williams says the city is also developing an Adopt-a-Drain program that will encourage residents, neighborhood groups and businesses to help keep storm drains clear of debris.