Garbage collection

Regulations for 120L bins postponed until September

Contrary to previous announcements, the city’s new garbage collection policy will likely come into effect September 15 and not mid-July.

Residents will be limited to the content of the 120L grey bin for their garbage disposal; for additional garbage, special 80L bags must be purchased at the cost of $2 each. Families of 5 or more will pay $1. Bags will be sold in packages of 5.

The members of the city’s Commission sur l’environnement propose a firm price for the bags at city council’s May 28 plenary meeting. Members of the Commission had discussed the price on April 11.

Councillors will vote on this proposal during the July 2 municipal council meeting. As recommended by the Commission sur l’environnement, the bags will be available in September on the city’s website, at the city’s various service centres, and at the Ecocentre.

In line with the City’s 2016-2020 Residual Materials Management Plan (RMMP), composting has been mandatory since July 15. “The September 15 date seems to be a more strategic date to better communicate with the residents, since people will be back from summer holidays,” says the Chair of the environment commission and Plateau Councillor, Maude Marquis-Bissonnette. “The last months have shown us that we must be more flexible in implementing such measures.”

She adds that the bag system is based on a ‘user pays’ principle. She also says that vulnerable groups of citizens may be exempt from the policy, such as daycare centres, small businesses, and people with special medical conditions. These citizens should register by dialling 3-1-1.

According to the RMMP, with the implementation of the 120L bins in Gatineau, the city expects to decrease its residential garbage by 45% (compared to 2013) by the end of 2020. (Trans.: CB)