John Bermingham
Province
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Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell was talking trash at city hall yesterday. He reminded homeowners they have until March 31 to choose the size of their new garbage containers before the city’s automated pickup service begins. “I think it’s a huge step forward,” said Campbell. “With these new trucks and containers, residents will be getting a choice, convenience and new improvements to their service in their neighbourhoods.” The city is disposing of its one-size-fits-all garbage service and is joining Prince George and Port Coquitlam by going fully automated. The city has ordered 174,000 wheeled garbage bins and 29 trucks at a cost of $10 million. “By allowing the residents to choose the container . . . we’re actively seeking reductions in our waste, as well as trying to provide fair pricing for everybody in the city,” said Campbell. The containers will be supplied by the city, but come in five different sizes. The annual fees will range from $75 for the 75-litre cart, up to $170 for the 360-litre container. Extra garbage bags will cost $2 apiece. Last year, the average family paid $91 for garbage disposal. Kevin Van Vliet, the city’s manager of solid waste, said some people with garbage enclosures that won’t fit the new carts have complained. The new service to 87,000 homes starts in July and the city will start collecting yard trimmings in January. © The Vancouver Province 2005 |
