Option 2 – Curbside collection; contracted services

This option is identical to Option 1 above except that the service is provided by contracted forces. As mentioned above, adjustments may be required. Contracts for collection offer little room for adjustments without financial compensation to the contractor. Contracted services would be better considered once a program is established.

Option 3 – User fee for curbside collection

This option includes a user fee to accompany either Option 1 or Option 2. A fee of $20.00 per item would not only offset part of the budget required for curbside collection, but would also encourage residents to first seek out re-use centers. This option would therefore continue to support the principles of environmental stewardship. The fee suggested would not completely offset the cost of the program, but in order to limit the amount of illegal dumping, it is important to keep the fee at a level that would not be prohibitive for lower income earners.

Option 4 – Big Bin Events

As reported to Council in September of this year, a Big Bin event is a partnership with charitable groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill and The Furniture Bank. A suitable location would be selected for residents to bring unwanted furniture items. Charitable organizations would have to opportunity to take any items that can be reused while non-reusable items are taken to landfill. Events occur on weekends, and accept items such as furniture, appliances, computers, televisions and other electronics. No household chemical waste would be accepted. The advantage of this program is that it supports environmental stewardship and reduces the impact on landfill. However, the disadvantage to the program is that it does not address the transportation issue faced by many residents.