TIME to CHARGE sloppy Dumpers

The garbage utility proposed by City of Saskatoon staff requires much more work by chief financial officer Martin Juravsky to re-work it before implementation. City council must reject the idea in present form.

Single stream recycling was promised to extend the landfill. That has not happened. A further confusing bunch of different sizes of different coloured bins will be a nightmare.

The main problem with bins and garbage etc. is human nature. Forget about education. That only helps those who are conscientious and want to do the right thing. The major problem with single stream recycle has been too much contamination with “stuff ” that should go elsewhere.

The technology is available to identify what goes into bins at specific properties. That technology must be used. Serious consequences must result for sloppy dumpers. First offence brings a stern warning. Second offence brings a $1,000 charge to the tax roll of that property. That will wake up those who do not care. A “ticket” sent to an address will be a waste of time.

If choice is given, that choice should include the right to decline recycle and organic bins. Some households recycle through SARCAN and drop-off bins. The bulk of organic waste is grass, leaves and garden refuse. At our house that all ends up as fertilizer in a farm garden — including grass and leaves from neighbours.

As for a new landfill, the City of Saskatoon environment department should be scouting out possible sites and using existing soil and geology information to reject duds. Les Henry, Saskatoon