Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Some residents of Middlesex Centre are seeing red over the implementation of a new green bin program and the fact that it means reduced garage collection.
The program is set to be rolled out initially in Arva, Delaware, Komoka, Kilworth and Ilderton starting in April.
A recent budget survey by the municipality indicated most urban-dwellers would be likely to participate in a green bin program to collect food and organic waste. But people have been weighing in on social media about the impact on garbage collection.
Council approved a plan put forward by staff that sees the green bin collected weekly, with garbage and recycling collected every two weeks. That’s sparked complaints that households would be getting reduced service, while still paying the same in taxes. Others say they don’t produce a lot of food waste, but larger family sizes mean they have more garbage and recycling needs. Concerns have also been expressed about the inconvenience of accommodating another bin on their property.
The budget survey identified further questions about green bins, specifically odours and animals getting into the bins. However, the municipality is assuring people the bins have locks designed to keep animals out, and odour levels would be no different than the current system where organic waste is thrown out with the garbage.
As to the cost implications, it’s estimated the program would add an extra $15 per property each year. But that won’t be borne by residents directly, as the plan calls for the extra expense to be absorbed into the existing municipal waste budget.
The program would be phased in, starting in the higher-density areas. That accounts for 60% of the municipality or about 4,182 properties. The reasoning behind that, is collection is more cost-effective in the urban areas and allows the municipality to review the program before future expansion.
The municipality acknowledged that some details in the program may change, as it’s in the early stages. As well, before it can proceed funding must first be approved through the 2027 operating budget.
