Blackburn Hamlet needs better bins

I find it extremely annoying that our city can’t or won’t provide its customers with secure, animal-proof green bins. We want to support the recycling initiatives of the city but it has become very difficult to do so.

Unfortunately, raccoons in our neighbourhood learned to open the original green bins we were issued. Once open, they would throw garbage all over the street and lawns. After much frustration, I complained to the city and we were given a replacement bin with a much better locking system. The animals couldn’t openit.

Recently the garbage men broke the lid while emptying the bin. I called the city again, asking for a replacement. This time, the reply was that the animal-proof bin is available to only waste management customers who are not residents of Blackburn Hamlet. (The City of Ottawa looks after our garbage.)

I am now right back where I started with another green bin like the first: no animal-proof design. We expect the raccoons to discover that shortly.

If the city is unable to resolve this for us we’re left with two options: 1) Put the green bin out every Tuesday before 7 a.m. on pickup days (our garbage is picked up very early); or 2) Mix our wet and dry garbage together and forget about recycling and scraps that should go into the green bin.

Until the city resolves this, I’m leaning heavily toward option 2.

Paul Walsh, Blackburn Hamlet