Monthly collections, April to October

City reverses policy on bulky waste pick-ups

Gatineau has reviewed its policy and will go ahead with 8 bulky waste collections in 2019, in addition to the four originally planned. The change will be approved at the next city council meeting, in February. In 2019, one collection takes place in February, followed by one per month until October. The next collection of bulky and construction waste will take place the weeks of February 11 and 18, 2019.

Bulk waste is any item(s) too large for the regular waste bin -- carpets, mattresses, sofas, etc.

Last fall, Council’s Commission sur l’environnement, chaired by Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, recommended doubling the number of collections per year. “We found that citizens did not understand the reason for these changes,” she told the plenary committee on January 29; “our intent is to take one more action for the planet.” The Chair hoped that the city improves communications to citizens regarding its waste management plan.

Jocelyn Blondin, Manoir-des-Trembles-Val-Tétreau councillor, would have preferred 12 bulky-waste collections a year, once a month.

Prior to July 15, 2018, bulky waste was picked up every second week with regular garbage pickup -- 26 times a year.

Residents can still dispose of these items seven days a week at the ecocentre at 860 de la Carrière Boulevard (Hull). Since August 30, there are no fees.

Individual collection at a residence is possible for large waste which can be recycled or reused, such as electronic products. Residents must call 3-1-1 for a special pick-up.

These additional collections will cost Gatineau $425,000; the city will take the funds from the waste management plan surplus.

Even with this change of plans for the bulky waste, the city is still going ahead with its plan to reduce waste by 45% by 2020. As for the number of collections for 2020, the council will re-evaluate the situation next fall.  

(Transl: CB)