DATES ARE SET

Ever-popular heavy garbage pickup back on track.

For some, it’s become an annual rite of spring.

So, whether disposing of unwanted goods or cruising for that used something, many local residents look forward to the CBRM’s residential heavy garbage pickup that, this year, will start on April 30 and continue until the collection is finished.

“Heavy garbage must be placed curbside no later than 6 a.m. on Monday, April 30 — streets will only be visited once,” said Cape Breton Regional Municipality solid waste manager Francis Campbell.

The $254,000 service, that some consider a luxury for the cash-strapped municipality, was approved by council in late March as part of its $147-million 2018-19 operating budget.

But, as usual, conditions apply.

CBRM solid waste education co-ordinator Roschell Clarke said she would encourage residents to either call the waste management hotline (902-5671337) or visit the municipality’s website to see a list of what will and what will not be picked up during the curbside collection.

Electronics top the list of items that will not be collected. Other items not accepted include all household special waste materials, such as paint and oils, propane tanks and

“We try to tell residents that if they have materials that are sitting inside a clear garbage bag that weighs less than 25 pounds then that should be put out year-round in the weekly collection.”

CBRM solid waste education co-ordinator Roschell Clarke

cylinders, fluorescent lights and other mercury containing products, concrete, bricks and mortar, vehicle parts and tires, and yard waste such as leaves, large

branches, shrubs and bushes.

Residents are forbidden to put out dark, coloured or tinted garbage bags, but are allowed to toss out waste in clear garbage bags, however, Clarke said they should be discriminating as to what they put out for the special collection.

“We try to tell residents that if they have materials that are sitting inside a clear garbage bag that weighs less than 25 pounds then that should be put out year-round in the weekly collection,” said Clarke, who also reiterated that heavy garbage will only be removed from the curb and that items left on

porches, beside houses and in back yards will not be collected.

Residents are also reminded that they are responsible for cleaning up whatever small debris may be left behind following the pickup. They are also encouraged to keep items not intended for collection well away from the curb.

GREG MCNEIL/CAPE BRETON POST Earl Rudderham was among the many contract workers on the job for the first day of the heavy garbage pickup across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in 2017. Residents of eligible properties have until 6 a.m. on April 30 to have items at curbside...