City garbage program:

Waste transfer centre fee removed, more pick-ups considered

Municipal councillors met, August 23, at the Maison du Citoyen to re-examine fees at the city’s waste transfer centre a few days before the regular council meeting. From now on, Gatineau residents will be able to bring all bulky items, destined for landfills, to the waste transfer centre free of charge.  Previously the fee was $125/ton, with a minimum fee of $50. This service will also be accessible to non-profit organizations and to local small businesses.

The transfer centre will also expand its opening hours. Additional hours will be on Thursday and Friday evenings, between 6 pm and 8:45 pm. Both changes must be approved by the municipal council during its August 28 meeting.

A special waste collection could take place in the next few days. Many officials are asking for a special collection before the Commission sur le développement du territoire, de l’habitation et de l’environnement meets.

The Commission’s chairperson agrees that the situation has changed since July 15. “We have seen an increase in inappropriate waste dumping, especially of bulky refuse,” notes Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, who adds that she is following the situation closely since more adjustments to the city’s waste management plan could take place. “All options must be explored,” she says.

The by-law concerning the new 120-litre waste bins will come into effect July 15, 2019.
   
Councillor Jocelyn Blondin insists that the new program still has problems. “We blew it. We must admit it; there’s no problem with admitting it”, he noted. He asks that a once-monthly collection of bulky items, furniture and appliances be considered by the Commission. The Mayor, however, commented that he is pleased with Ms Marquis-Bissonnette’s handling of the new waste program.

Blondin noted that some residents still have problems with the plan; many have no way of transporting large items to the waste transfer centre.

Councillor Louise Boudrias was also disappointed with the August 23 meeting. “I thought that today we would come up with solutions,” she said. Ms Boudrias said that the situation will only be solved by a complete review. “We must do more than merely remove the $50 fee,” she added. The city’s Commission de l’environnement will meet September 6 to evaluate the whole program and recommend next steps. Bulky items are to be collected four times a year, in April, May, July and October.  (Transl. CB)