Bins laden

Medium rather than large bins chosen for automated garbage collection in St. John’s

Medium-sized bins have been chosen for automated garbage collection in St. John’s after a series of public consultations regarding automated garbage collection in the city.

Coun. Ian Froude, the councillor responsible for public works and sustainability, says the decision to go with medium-sized bins as opposed to large bins was environmental.

“This decision was based on desired efforts to reduce the waste going into the landfill,” Froude said. “Having a limit on the number of bags that you can put to the curb encourages recycling.”

The 240-litre bins can hold an average of four bags, says Froude.

“Since it’s an automated service the truck picks up the bin,” he said. “So it doesn’t matter how many bags you put in, as long as the bin can close properly.”

Froude told The Telegram the different bins were present during many of the public consultations so members of the public could see them and try using them.

This caused some seniors and people with mobility challenges to question their ability to safely manoeuvre the bins, he said.

Froude says these challenges are being considered as city council finalizes how to implement the program.

“It is quite unfair to expect a senior or someone with mobility issues to lug the big bin from the side of their house to the front,” he said.

The initial bins will be provided to homeowners at no cost.

A property owner will only be charged when a bin replacement is necessary for reasons outside of regular wear and tear.