Jonesboro, Ark. – The City of Jonesboro has added a third manual garbage truck to its fleet to accommodate increasing requests from residents who need assistance bringing their trash to the curb.
For years, the city has utilized two manual trucks for households requiring extra help. The service benefits individuals who are unable to move their trash cans due to age, recent surgery, or disability. According to city officials, adding the new truck ensures that all qualifying residents continue to receive reliable service.
Route Supervisor Ronny Stanback explained that workers using manual trucks go beyond standard curbside pickup by fetching trash containers from behind homes, emptying them, and returning them to their original location. This hands-on approach is necessary for residents who rely on the service.
"These are necessary. We’ve got to have them," said Stanback. "Our rear-door pickups and services for people with disabilities are increasing. People are getting older, and more of them are unable to bring their cans to the curb."
The service is provided at no additional cost to qualifying residents, and city officials stated that the expenses for manual pickups are comparable to those associated with automated trucks. Currently, nearly 500 people qualify for the program, according to Jonesboro Sanitation.
Stanback noted that manual trucks are not only essential for the curbside assistance program but are also used in areas where automated trucks cannot operate effectively, such as dead ends and cul-de-sacs. Additionally, yard waste is collected manually throughout the city twice a month, with an option for residents to drop off yard waste at 2650 Lacy Drive if necessary.
Ensuring worker safety remains a priority, as manual pickup crews operate on foot. Stanback urged drivers to stay alert and exercise caution near sanitation workers.
"Be cautious," said Stanback. "You never know when someone might step out behind a truck. We’d like drivers to look out for our people on the ground, try to go around carefully, and just be aware."
To apply for curbside assistance, residents must provide a doctor’s note, which can be faxed directly to Jonesboro Sanitation. Those with eligibility questions can contact the sanitation office at 870-932-7520.