The City of Edmonton's Big Bin events are days in which residents can bring unwanted bulk items to a designated location. Items that can be reused are taken by Goodwill Industries of Alberta, while the non-reusable items are taken to landfill. The events occur twelve times a year at a variety of locations across the city. Each event occurs over a Saturday and Sunday and accepts bulk items such as furniture, large household appliances, computers, televisions and other electronics. They do not accept commercial waste or household chemical wastes.

Both Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill Industries in Windsor have indicated they would be interested in participating in a City of Windsor Big Bin event, similar to the City of Edmonton's model.

DISCUSSION:

On average, each day of the Big Bin event in Edmonton saw 75 tonnes of waste (sent to landfill) and required the following equipment: 6 large bins, a bobcat, a cube van, and corresponding staff. In addition to this tonnage and equipment Habitat for Humanity and/or Goodwill Industries would provide the equipment and staff required to process the items they chose to take. The Big Bin events in the City of Edmonton are very popular. In 2014, the 12 events saw 11,446 customers.

However, The Big Bin events do have some challenges:

(1) Cost containment: tonnages are difficult to estimate and therefore costing can fluctuate. The estimated cost to implement this program in Windsor is outlined in the financial section.

(2) Extensive line ups: each event has customers lined up before opening, and many are turned away at the end of the day. Traffic congestion can often be a secondary concern.

(3) Illegal dumping after the event: despite offering these bin days and several depots across the City, illegally dumped material remains an issue.

If Council wished to pursue a pilot project in Ward 7, a location with adequate space and security would need to be selected. Administration considered either the Forest Glade arena and recreation complex parking lot, or at the East End Park's yard. The Forest Glade Arena location is easily accessible and well known, serving the arena, community centre, library, tennis courts, outdoor sports fields, and the park; however any post-event illegal dumping would be an eyesore even if only there briefly.