Please say that there are forthcoming plans to switch the blue bins to carts as well. From a user perspective, the blue bins are AWFUL— just the amount of stuff that blows out of them on a windy day alone! I’ve got a serious envy problem of my Toronto friends with their nice three-bin system!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets envious of some cities' waste collection processes ;) The only info I have come across about this is this: "The Region of Waterloo is no longer responsible for blue box services as of March 4, 2024. The cart-based collection will only be used for residential garbage and organics." So, it doesn't sound likely. I'm doing a post (likely in October) that focuses on recycling so hopefully I'll know more by then.
Thanks for the super-helpful information as always Melissa. I'm curious to know how the new system will cope with people who chronically use the street as a parking lot, including my neighbour who parks his huge work truck in front of my house every single day and often for days on end. Will the system be able to reach around all these cars to pick up waste? I already watch the poor collectors have to find their way through the mess every week. Also, will the new more efficient system result in layoffs?
Great questions! So far, I haven't found much info about the on-street parking issue other than this rather generic comment on the Region's website: "Carts must be accessible at the time of collection. To ensure your carts get collected, it is recommended that the carts are placed on the curb/mouth of the driveway." As far as layoffs go, I haven't seen that come up in the staff reports I've read, but will keep an eye out. I have seen the following info: most trucks will now just need one driver, though some still need two. The Region will also continue to collect bulk items, extra bags, etc and I think that's done manually and I would assume with two people to a truck. I'll see if I can find more specifics though.
Speaking of Toronto, I've watched them collect on my friends' street, which is always lined with bumper-to-bumper cars, and someone from the truck jumps out and wheels the carts into the street and then back after they're emptied. Still not as efficient as I'm sure they're dreaming of, but no one has to lift anything.
Please say that there are forthcoming plans to switch the blue bins to carts as well. From a user perspective, the blue bins are AWFUL— just the amount of stuff that blows out of them on a windy day alone! I’ve got a serious envy problem of my Toronto friends with their nice three-bin system!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets envious of some cities' waste collection processes ;) The only info I have come across about this is this: "The Region of Waterloo is no longer responsible for blue box services as of March 4, 2024. The cart-based collection will only be used for residential garbage and organics." So, it doesn't sound likely. I'm doing a post (likely in October) that focuses on recycling so hopefully I'll know more by then.
Thanks for the super-helpful information as always Melissa. I'm curious to know how the new system will cope with people who chronically use the street as a parking lot, including my neighbour who parks his huge work truck in front of my house every single day and often for days on end. Will the system be able to reach around all these cars to pick up waste? I already watch the poor collectors have to find their way through the mess every week. Also, will the new more efficient system result in layoffs?
Great questions! So far, I haven't found much info about the on-street parking issue other than this rather generic comment on the Region's website: "Carts must be accessible at the time of collection. To ensure your carts get collected, it is recommended that the carts are placed on the curb/mouth of the driveway." As far as layoffs go, I haven't seen that come up in the staff reports I've read, but will keep an eye out. I have seen the following info: most trucks will now just need one driver, though some still need two. The Region will also continue to collect bulk items, extra bags, etc and I think that's done manually and I would assume with two people to a truck. I'll see if I can find more specifics though.
Speaking of Toronto, I've watched them collect on my friends' street, which is always lined with bumper-to-bumper cars, and someone from the truck jumps out and wheels the carts into the street and then back after they're emptied. Still not as efficient as I'm sure they're dreaming of, but no one has to lift anything.