A city plan to begin automated garbage bin collection and curbside recycling pickup in 2020 has been pushed back.
Saint John’s Modernization of Solid Waste Collection Services program was set to begin this year, but the pilot project is now scheduled for spring 2021, with full implementation slated for the following year.
Councillor Donna Reardon is in favour of modernizing the waste collection, and is eager for the new plan to kick off.
She says it’s important that residents understand the system they’re paying for.
“Garbage costs us so much. You have landfill that are filling up with solid waste. Where does it end and how do you bring that vision to your citizens?”
The new plan would see the city purchase new garbage carts for residences that hook up to trucks, enabling the end of manual garbage pickup.
A presentation made to council in 2019 included estimates of $2.2 million to implement the program, but that the city would recoup about $350,000 annually in tipping fees.
The plan would also require residents to purchase “bag tags” to affix to excess garbage bags that don’t fit in the bin. City staff estimated the revenue for those tags, which are planned to sell for $2 each, at around $550,000 yearly.
“It’s all to encourage people to separate their garbage, try to produce less waste, etc.” Reardon said. “It’s a big issue, but it’s one that doesn’t get much attention I find.”
Reardon believes the upcoming modernization plan is a good step, but she would like to see more steps taken to improve waste collection.
The city is currently working to extend the lifespan of the Crane Mountain Landfill, recently purchasing a substantial amount of clay to help prevent waste contaminants from entering the water supply.
Reardon is in favour of further changes being considered by council, including compulsory composting, in order to reduce waste going to the landfill, and keep money in the city’s coffers.
“We could spend that money on quality of life,” Reardon said. “Lots of more fun things to spend that money on if we can get people to reduce their waste, recycle, and separate their garbage.”
