Grace period approved for waste cart exchange

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

Norfolk residents will have a chance to test drive their new waste carts when the county moves over to its new collection program later this year.

Eventually those who wish to exchange their carts for a different style will have to pay a $50 fee, however, for the first six months they’ll be given the opportunity for a free exchange after councillors included an amendment to a staff report at the May 12 council-in-committee meeting.

“We’re asking the municipality to go through a significant amount of change, I think there should be a little bit of grace and a little bit of leeway to allow them to get used to it without slapping on another fee right away,” said Coun. Alan Duthie, whose friendly amendment to offer a six-month grace period received approval from his fellow councillors.

Beginning in September, Norfolk will be moving to a new waste collection system. Highlights include the introduction of a new weekly organics program, and biweekly garbage collection using new automated collection bins.

There are different options for waste collection bins, including a downsized style. The standard waste bin for residents is 240 litres, which is about three to four standard garbage bags. The organics bins are 120 litres, and residents can opt to downsize their waste bins to the same 120 litre size.

Farms and participating commercial locations will receive a standard 360-litre waste bin alongside the 120-litre organics bin. They’ll be able to downsize to either of the smaller waste bin options.

Residents and businesses are required to confirm their selection by June 12. However, the new grace period will give them a chance to switch their choice free of charge if it turns out their initial selection doesn’t suit them.

“I feel we need at least a six-month trial on it,” said Coun. Linda Vandendriessche, adding there are many older and rural residents with longer driveways who are unsure which bins will be best for them.

The grace period isn’t meant for people who damage or destroy their bins through negligence.

Beyond the waste bin fees, the county is also implementing a $10 fee for those who wish to purchase an additional kitchen container for organics. There’s no grace period for those containers.

County staff said they’re uncertain how much the grace period for the waste bins will cost the municipality since there’s no real way to know how many requests will be made. The $50 fee is meant to offset the cost to the municipality.

The move to biweekly garbage collection and weekly organics collection is being made to divert waste away from landfilling. Landfill space in the province is rapidly disappearing and tipping fees are only expected to increase, so staff say diverting as much as possible from the landfill benefits everyone. Organics programs also offer environmental benefits.

The new program launches Sept. 28. For more information on the new program, visit norfolkcounty.ca/wastechanges.