The city is using a new automated garbage collection program in an effort to control costs “while ensuring the very best solid waste collection service,” according to a press release from City Hall.

“This new program will reduce the amount spent on garbage collection, improve employee safety and provide residents with a clean, convenient and attractive way to dispose of household garbage,” Mayor Ben Blake said in the release.

Under the new program, each household with city garbage pickup will receive a free container. The charcoal black-colored garbage collection container is called a “tote,” and has been distributed to residents since the end of September.

The totes are city property and are assigned to each household using an individual serial number that corresponds to the address. The tote can only be used for garbage and is the only container that can be used to place garbage at the curb, according to the press release. Any household garbage that does not fit in the tote may be brought to the transfer station during regular hours of operation, the press release states.