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New trash bins on way to Shady Cove, Butte Falls SHADY COVE -- Residents are getting new trash bins as Southern Oregon Sanitation gradually switches to automated pickup in the Upper Rogue region. The wheeled cans, ranging from 35 to 90 gallons, have been delivered some of Shady Cove's 566 customers and will be delivered to the remainder the week of June 16, says Nanci Watkins, area manager of Southern Oregon Sanitation. The 105 customers in Butte Falls can expect their carts to roll in June 21, Watkins says. "We delivered 1,000 carts in Eagle Point in three days during spring break," Watkins says. Eagle Point and half of Shady Cove converted to the automated trash pickup system this year, Watkins says. The rest of the Upper Rogue will be added this summer, with Trail and parts of Jackson County scheduled for next year. Southern Oregon Sanitation is waiting for new trucks that have been on back order. They cost between $120,000 to $140,000. The trucks' mechanical arms can lift up to 225 pounds, helping to prevent back injuries for employees; the wheeled cans do the same for residents, she says. But one Shady Cove resident who says she's been pleased with the garbage service for 20 years feels the automated service replaces the human touch. Since automation, drivers no longer take the time to pick up garbage that missed the truck and fell to the ground, Kathy Starr says. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA