CONTAINERS LIKE THESE would hold residential trash once Iron Mountain switches to automated collection. (Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Trash collections in Iron Mountain will be moved from the alley to the street beginning this coming Monday and the switch will be permanent.

Collections are normally moved to the street before the spring thaw to save damage to alleys, but this year the city is preparing as well to introduce automated curbside collection.

A contract with GFL Environmental USA is being finalized and the company in the weeks or months ahead will provide each household with a container and wheeled cart.

“I think in the long run it’s going to be a good improvement,” City Manager Jordan Stanchina said.

The city council Monday adopted the contract, which allows for each household to receive a 95-gallon wheeled cart, with the ability to acquire additional carts at a cost of $1.50 per month.

A few areas, mainly on the east side, have been designated for alley pickups because of topography challenges, Stanchina said.

With 3,500 stops across the city, officials acknowledge there will be an adjustment period. A date for automated pickups to start hasn’t yet been set.

GFL’s automated trucks are equipped with a lifting device on the curbside. The operator is able to control the lifting, emptying and return of a cart without leaving the cab. The carts are designed to be maneuverable and easy to roll.

GFL, which took over trash pickups in 2021 after acquiring Great American Environmental Services of Kingsford, introduced the idea of automated collections to hold down costs and prevent damage to alleys.

After receiving public input, the council in November approved an ordinance amendment to enable the switch.