WORLD WASTES STAFF

It pays to do your homework prior to bidding for a cart supplier. Rochester, N.Y., organized a reviewing committee comprised of three city staff members and three representatives from the private sector, including a neighborhood association representative, to ensure it chose a cart that best suited its needs. Communities in the market for a cart can use Rochester's conclusions as a benchmark for their own due diligence process.

Specify that: * lids are attached to the cart's body;

* the axle consists of solid steel of no less than 51/48 inches in diameter and is treated with zinc dichromate to improve corrosion resistance;

* wheels are equipped with theft-resistant attachments and a pre-determined minimum wheel diameter;

* the handle and lifters are formed as a single piece with the cart body (Rochester found bolted-on handles increased the life cycle cost);

* carts have an unconditional, non-declining, 10-year warranty;

* lifters are American-style (versus European) because of its universal design;

* carts remain upright with the lid closed in high wind velocity; and

* the manufacturing corresponds to need (what is preferred: rotational molding, blow molding, injection molding and structural foam injection molding).