New Trash Transfer Trailer Makes Frederick County Debut

FREDERICK, Md. - People in Frederick County will start seeing new, more efficient trailers hauling municipal solid waste. Voyager Trucking Corporation, Frederick County's contracted partner, will now use "Opossum Belly" trailers. Frederick County is one of the first counties in the region to use these new trailers, which are more economically and environmentally efficient.

"While the new trailers may seem like something small, this addition by our contractor is a big example of how technology can help us meet a multitude of goals," said Lee Zimmerman, Director of the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling. "We will now be able to send waste in fewer trucks, meaning less congestion and a smaller carbon footprint while maintaining high quality service."

The new trailers are known as "Opossum Bellies" because their design maximizes space with a sloping design that naturally funnels waste. These trailers are so efficient that they can increase capacity without adding length, width, or vertical height. It is projected that this new design will eliminate three to four truck trips during normal operations.

Voyager began using the new trailers on Monday, June 16. Those traveling on Frederick County roadways should see more soon.

Ninety-five percent of the municipal solid waste and construction and demolition debris created in Frederick County are transferred via trailer to a larger landfill near Chambersburg, PA. Recently, Voyager was awarded the hauling contract for both Frederick County's municipal solid waste and recycling hauling. Recycling will be transported using a different type of trailer because it must navigate the material recovery facility where recycling is sorted.

The Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling provides integrated waste management for the County and its residents with waste reduction, recycling, and disposal programs. More information on these and associated events can be found by calling 301-600-2960 and online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov under "Departments."

###

Contact: Paul Varga
Communications Manager
Division of Solid Waste and Recycling
301-600-7405