The Municipality of North Cowichan wants to hear from residents about future plans for curbside garbage, recycling and kitchen waste collection in the community.
A survey is now live at www.northcowichan.ca/curbsidesurvey, seeking input from residents on a possible transition from manual collection where workers lift and dump waste carts into trucks to automated collection – using mechanical arms to lift and empty these carts. Automated collection can offer additional services for residents, including yard waste collection and larger garbage cart options to accommodate larger families.
“We want to hear what the community thinks about this proposed change because we know it will have an impact on our residents,” said Deputy Mayor Rosalie Sawrie. “Waste collection is a critical service – and delivering it efficiently and safely is essential. Council will consider the input from residents, along with operational planning and financial factors, when the topic is discussed later this year.”
The municipality’s four garbage trucks currently in service all need to be replaced in the next few years – offering an opportunity to make the service switch and keep in line with other Vancouver Island districts and municipalities that have already implemented automated curbside collection. This will reduce work-related injuries to collectors who lift between 3.5 and 5.2 tonnes per work day, making it difficult to retain employees.
The current cost of curbside waste collection is $111 per year, per household. A new automated system would cost $168-182 per year.
To learn more and fill out a survey, visit northcowichan.ca/curbsidesurvey. Questions can be emailed to curbsidesurvey@northcowichan.ca.
Two online information sessions will also be hosted and registration can be completed at the North Cowichan website
Talking out the Trash: Online Information Sessions are Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 7-8 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 2, from noon-1 p.m.
Registration is required and can be completed at the webpage. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Municipal Hall, 7030 Trans-Canada Highway.