WILMINGTON — The city’s weekly garbage collection service is running into a problem with residents setting additional trash beside their trash cart.

This additional trash is throwing a curve into the city’s relatively new automated system of refuse collection, Wilmington Sanitation Department Superintendent Mike Crowe informed city council Thursday night.

“About a year ago, we switched to the automated truck and with the truck, customers received a 95-gallon trash tote [sometimes called a trash cart]. The trucks have just one person on it, and we’ll have folks that put their trash tote out and then three or four bags next to it. There’s no way our guy operating the truck can get out and pick up the extra waste because there’s not enough time in the day,” Crowe said.

He said he would send another truck out with an operator to help with the trash pickup.

Crowe on Thursday discussed a policy change that could address the problem. Customers could be allowed three free additional pickups, but after that there would be a charge. For any additional pickup, they would have to call in and schedule for them to pick it up.

According to the Wilmington Sanitation Department page on the city’s website, all trash must be placed inside the cart with the lid completely closed. The 95-gallon cart can hold ten 13-gallon garbage bags, and a 65-gallon cart can hold six.

Households are advised to keep the trash cart clean and always bag trash before putting it inside.

If bulk item collection is needed, schedule for a pickup by contacting the Sanitation Department at 937-382-6474.