Pure Madnesson

A City of Madison recycling truck injured two people Friday in what is being called a freak accident. The city began using automated recycling trucks last year in an effort to cut costs and increase the variety of materials being recycled. Until now, the program has been successful, as Madisonians have been recycling more than ever before.

According to police who responded to the accident, the automated arm of a recycling truck travelling on the the near west side reached out on its own and lifted a pedestrian and a bicyclist into the air. A second pedestrian walking with the group was not touched. The truck's driver did not know the arm had extended and continued driving with the two victims dangling from the claw. Driver error does not appear to have caused the accident, and alcohol does not appear to be a factor. The truck is being checked for possible technical problems.

What occurred Friday is a mystery to Madison's recycling coordinator, George Dreckmann. According to Dreckmann, "Nothing like this has ever happened before, and there are dozens of cities using these trucks. We are searching for the cause and are working to ensure nothing like this ever happens again."

One city employee tells a different story. This employee, who asked not to be named publicly, explains that the company providing the trucks to the city has been experimenting with some new technology as it moves toward robotizing the vehicles. Three of Madison's recycling trucks have reportedly been accessorized with sensors to distinguish between recycled and non-recycled materials. "This experiment has not been made public knowledge," states the employee. "Robotizing the program would mean significant loss of jobs, and I don't think the Mayor wants that known at this time. Obviously, the experiment may be dangerous, too. This isn't good news for public safety." The employee believes these sensors are responsible for Friday's incident. It appears the sensors may have picked up the metal in the bike and a can of soda being carried by the pedestrian. The pedestrian was also carrying a newspaper, perhaps setting off a false alarm for mixed recyclables. The companion who remained untouched reports carrying nothing that could be miscontrued as recyclable. Dreckmann adamantly denies the employee's claims and states, "If something like this was happening in MY recycling program, I would be the first to know about it." The company that provides the trucks to the city refused to comment.

Alderwoman Robbie Webber, a staunch advocate for pedestrian and bicycle travel, says she knows nothing of experimental sensors being used on the recycling trucks. "If this is true, I am very concerned," she claims. "If we want people to get out of their cars and use alternative forms of transportation, we have to ensure their safety. I plan to demand an immediate investigation into this claim."

Both victims were treated at Meriter Hospital for minor injuries and released late Friday. Witnesses expressed surprise they were not more seriously harmed. A witness who happened to drive by as the incident occurred describes the scene as "something right out of a Monster Truck rally" and says, "I thought for sure they'd be smashed up there."