Garbage mess

March 5, 2024

I am one of the many residents impacted by the changes in garbage collection requiring us to drag our bins to the front curb.
For the few people who have front driveways, this is not an huge issue, but for those of us who have 20-cm high steps leading from the street to the front of our homes, as we do, it is quite different.
In this season of snow accumulations, dragging the bin down the hill is not an option.

We are forced to drag our bin 50 m down the unpaved, unplowed side alley, compete with icy ruts. Eventually, this extra wear and tear is bound to damage the bins, which were not designed for this type of abuse, not to mention the safety risk for the senior trying to accomplish this unnecessary task.

Our neighbourhood was originally designed to accommodate garbage services in the rear laneways. The real problem here is that the City has awarded the contract for this essential service to a company that has neither the appropriate equipment, nor the expertise to fulfill their commitment.

This is hardly the solution to this relatively new problem. It should also be mentioned that one unintended consequence of this new policy will likely be a reduced use of green bins.

As people have to struggle to get bins to the curb, they will be more likely to place compostables in the black bin, rather than having to drag two bins out front.

Ruth A. Muzika,
Camrose