A question-and-answer session with CAO Amy McIntosh
Since Sept. 8, residents of the District of Carleton North have been getting weekly garbage pickup and bi-weekly recycling pickup. The prior schedule of only three weekly garbage pickups and one recycling pickup per month led to complaints about overflowing bins and odours when garbage had to sit for two weeks in the summer.
While the change is a welcome improvement, confusion has surrounded the rollout of the revamped service.
To clarify information for Carleton North residents, River Valley Sun reached out to District of Carleton North CAO Amy McIntosh, who was happy to share details on the new pickup schedule and the delivery schedule for the new waste bins that all households will receive.
RVS: What is the new schedule for recycling and garbage pickup?
AM: Residents will have their garbage collected weekly and recycling collected bi-weekly. On weeks when both garbage and recycling are being collected, one of two things may happen: your garbage and recycling may be picked up by two separate trucks at different times of the day, or, if a truck that has dual-stream capabilities has been assigned to your route, your garbage and recycling may be picked up at the same time.
RVS: The Western Valley Service Commission has announced it will deliver new garbage bins this fall. When will that take place?
AM: A firm delivery date has not been set yet, but we expect to begin delivering bins in early October. Residents are to begin using their new bins as soon as they receive them. Additional instructions, including how to properly place your bins for collection, will be inside your bin when it is delivered.
RVS: What about using older bins? Can residents still put their garbage out in older bins?
AM: After receiving their new bin, residents are only allowed to use the officially registered bin provided by the District for garbage. If you place more than one bin at the curb for waste collection, only the official bin will be collected.
Additionally, trucks will not collect bags of garbage or loose garbage.
If residents already own a bin compatible with the waste trucks, they may convert it to a recycling bin, as there is no limit on how many recycling bins can be placed at the curb, as long as they are clearly identified as recycling.
RVS: We’ve heard some people complain that the bins are smaller than bins some residents already use. What size are the new bins?
AM: The District of Carleton North has purchased 360L waste bins, the same size as the current recycling bins.
Some municipalities chose to purchase smaller waste bins (240L). However, all District of Carleton North households will receive a full-size 360L bin.
If you have questions or concerns about the new waste collection rules, please contact the office and ask to speak with Municipal Projects Coordinator John Nigro, who will be happy to help.
