There is no relief on the horizon for those struggling to meet the new garbage limits.
There will be no exceptions to the garbage collection limit, which will remain at 80 litres despite one councillor’s attempt to increase it.
Coun. Andy Adams, who suggested it may be in the public’s best interest to adjust the maximum capacity after the new limit was introduced in January, made an attempt at Tuesday’s council meeting to scrap the 80-litre limit.
Adams made a motion to increase the volume limit to 120 litres, in one can, and maintain the current weight restriction but no councillor supported the motion.
Nobody on council made a move to implement a special circumstances pass either.
After Coun. Roy Grant told council in January he had heard from people who couldn’t meet the limit because of medical conditions or other extenuating circumstances, city staff looked into the possibility of creating a special circumstances pass.
But a report from staff outlining how such a thing would work, recommended council not provide the special pass, saying it moves away from the user pay approach “and provides financial relief to some despite the cost of providing increased service.”
It also said the city would need residents to provide some form of proof that they fit eligibility requirements and the process could be invasive to some with medical conditions and add administrative complexity.
Grant said he was still in favour in a special circumstances pass but did not make a motion to allow residents the ability to apply for one.
“That (the pass) is something I agree with as long as it’s not invasive as far as personal information is concerned,” said Grant.
The city will now embark on a campaign to educate the public about the new regulation in time for the April 4 implementation.
Jennifer Peters, the city’s utilities manager, said people can still use their 120 or 128 litre cans as long as they are only 80 litres full.
“One way to ensure you have the right amount is to place your garbage within an 80-litre bag,” said Peters.
Another way is to indicate the 80 litre line with a marker on your garbage can.
The city introduced the change because it wants to cut down on the amount of garbage entering the landfill, which is nearing capacity. To help cut down on garbage, the city has increased recycling pick up to once weekly.
Multi-family properties can join in
Smaller-scale multi-family complexes can now be a part of the city’s garbage collection program on a volunteer basis.
Three or four-plex properties can sign up to receive curbside garbage pick up from the city’s contractor, Emterra, after council voted at Tuesday’s council meeting to include such complexes.
“Inclusion of smaller scale multi-family properties in the city’s waste collection program on a voluntary basis may provide a solution for those who are currently having difficulty finding appropriate waste collection services,” said Peters, who noted a number of units have mistakenly been receiving service from Emterra for a period of time.