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Waste Collection

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1. What's my collection day for my compostable materials?

All compostable materials should be ready for collection by 7:45 am on the morning of your collection day. Compostable materials collection will occur on the same day as your regular waste collection by separate vehicle. May through October is weekly collection. November through April is bi-weekly collection. For a map of the collection areas, click on residential collection schedule. Residential Collection Schedule

2. What's my collection day for my regular waste collection?

All regular waste should be ready for collection by 7:45 am on the morning of your collection day. Regular waste collection will occur on the same day as your compostable materials pick up by separate vehicle. For a map of the collection areas, click on residential waste collection schedule. Residential Waste Collection Schedule

3. What happens if I don't handle my regular waste or compostable materials properly?

To maintain the sanitation and safety of the collection process, the City has established requirements for the handling of all regular and compostable materials. When any of these requirements have not been met, the contractor has no obligation to collect the regular and compostable materials. To ensure these materials are collected properly check out the Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw. Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw

4. What items are NOT accepted or collected as residential waste?

• Household hazardous waste such as paints, motor oil, pesticides, oven and toilet cleaners, and solvents. A round-up is held at the Public Works Yard, 4202 – 51 Avenue every June and October. Watch the local newspapers or the City website for the exact dates.
• Large items such as furniture, mattresses, televisions, and appliances
• Construction / renovation materials such as drywall, carpeting, lumber, etc.
• Tree stumps, unbundled branches.
• Tires, large metal parts, etc.

For more information click on the Solid Waste Collection and Diversion Bylaw.
Solid Waste Collection and Diversion Bylaw

5. Why is the City introducing Compostable Materials Collection for residential waste customers?

As part of a waste reduction strategy that was adopted by Council in 2010, the City has set a goal of reducing the amount of residential waste going to the landfill by 50% in 5 years. Since the majority of household waste is compostable materials, a compostable materials collection program can make a large impact.

6. When does the Compostables Collection Program start?

The collection program begins April 1, 2011 in conjunction with the enforcement of the residential waste bag limit. Compostable materials collection will begin on a bi-weekly basis for the month of April and move to weekly collection for the months of May through October. Bi-weekly collection will begin again in November for the winter months. Yard Waste and Limited Kitchen Organics Collection

7. What do I have to do to have my compostables collected?

To have your compostable materials collected as part of the program (and not as part of your regular waste bag limit), your compostable materials need to be set out at least 1 metre (or 1 yard) from your regular waste. You can use “bag to earth” compostable yard waste bags (available at most hardware and retail locations) or a separate dedicated metal or plastic bin. Make sure your bags are labelled “compostable” by the manufacturer or your bin is clearly labelled as “Yard Waste” or “Compostable Materials”. Please remember that your bags or containers must be less than 20kg (44lbs).

8. Can I use plastic garbage bags if I label them "yard waste"?

No plastic bags can be accepted. Please use a compostable yard waste bag or a plastic or metal bin. Regular plastic bags may be confused for regular waste and may be counted as part of your bag limit.

9. How much are compostable bags and where can I get them?

Compostable bags are available at most retail outlets and cost approximately $0.50 per bag. Please double check that they are labelled “compostable” and not biodegradable by their manufacturer.

10. Why do I have to pay the compostables collection fee all year round when collection is biweekly in the winter?

The monthly charge for the program is the total annual cost of collection divided by 12 months. Instead of charging more in the summer and less in the winter, it is easier on residents to spread the charge over the entire year.

11. What items ARE collected and accepted for compostable materials collection?

• Grass clippings & leaves, garden waste including weeds and soft plant roots;
• Small shrubbery and hedge prunings (excluding large tree branches, stumps, roots and logs); (Bundle small branches and tie with a compostable fibrous string or jute twine)
• All fruit and vegetable waste and their peelings or like spoilage waste or decomposing matter (No meat, dairy, or bones);
• Coffee grounds & filters, tea bags,
• Food soiled paper or cardboard (like pizza boxes, paper towels/napkins, etc)
• Sawdust (untreated wood)

Please note that animal waste is not considered compostable material and should not be set out as such.

12. Is there a limit on the amount of compostable materials that I can set out for collection?

There is no limit on the number of bags or containers of compostable materials that can be set out for collection. In order to avoid confusion with the regular waste bag limit, please make sure your compostable materials are properly labelled “yard waste” and set 1 metre apart from your regular waste.

13. Are the compostable bags weather-proof?

Most compostable bags are weatherproof. Items for compostable materials collection may be stored indoors until the collection day to avoid any problems.

14. Will the composting bunker at the Recycle with Centra Cam Collection Depot still be available?

Yes. If you wish to transport your compostable materials to the recycling collection depot, you are welcome to do so however if you do, there is no option to opt out of the compostable materials monthly collection fee.

15. With the introduction of a compostable materials collection fee will the recycling fee remain the same?

Yes. The recycling fee is set annually by Council as part of the budgeting process and is separate from this program. The recycling fee goes towards maintaining the Recycling with Centra Cam Recycling Depot.

16. What items are NOT collected or accepted as compostable waste?

• No large tree branches, stumps, root and logs.
• No meat/fish/bones or dairy products
• No animal waste.

For more information click on the Solid Waste Collection and Diversion Bylaw.
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw