Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Council has put the brakes on implementing a new green bin program. At its November 4th meeting, council voted in favour of a motion put forward by Ward 1’s Jean Coles that calls for further study on the matter.
Earlier this fall, plans were announced to introduce a green bin program in the larger urban areas of Arva, Delaware, Ilderton and Komoka-Kilworth. The program was set to take effect in April. That sparked some pushback from residents. The biggest bone of contention was that the addition of a green bin pickup to handle organic waste, would mean regular garbage would be collected every other week rather than weekly as it’s done now.
“People were wary of losing their weekly pickup. That was the biggest issue I heard, was that they wanted a weekly pickup of their garbage and recycling and they were very afraid of that change,” said Coles.
“I don’t see anyone talking to me that they’re totally against it. They’re just not ready for it. So, we need more education built into it,” said councillor Frank Berze. “They do not want to lose their weekly collection, and a lot of them said they don’t want to squeeze in a third bin somewhere,” added Berze.
Councillor Hugh Aerts raised the question of whether weekly garbage collection could continue with the green bin being collected every other week. “The green bin is closed so it wouldn’t smell,” said Aerts.
The motion put forward by councillor Coles directs staff to review how the program operates in other municipalities as well as additional financial analysis for other implementation options.
Council was told bi-weekly green bin collection could be an option, and that some communities in Alberta have moved to green bin collection every other week for the winter months.
