Chestermere making clear garbage bags mandatory

Chestermere residents are making a stink about a new rule that would make it mandatory for curbside trash to be stored in clear plastic bags.

The small city’s plan to roll out curbside recycling and compost pickup this spring will require residents to put out their trash in transparent bags, instead of the standard black or green garbage bags. Trash collectors would then be able to see whether paper products or other recyclables are being sent to the landfill, explained Ray MacIntosh, the chief operating officer of Chestermere Utilities Incorporated.

MacIntosh said the program will have a soft rollout — recycling and compost bins are expected to be delivered sometime in May — and that the city won’t enforce the new rule right away.

“I know people have a stockpile ( of black garbage bags),” he said. “Use them up. We’re just asking that the next time you use garbage bags, buy clear.”

And while enforcing strict recycling standards may help the city reduce its tipping fees at Calgary landfills, residents are crying foul. In an online petition to reverse the clear bag rule, many people have called the clear- bag policy disgusting, unnecessary and an invasion of privacy.

“It’s disgusting!” exclaimed Karen Guider. The Chestermere resident is thrilled that the city will collect recycling and compost at her home, but says the clear bag rule for garbage goes too far.

“It doesn’t need to be policed,” she said.

“We’re not 12. Adults are adults, you’re going to recycle or you’re not.”

Garbage can still be stored in bins, MacIntosh said, but Guider argued that Chestermere residents rarely use them.