Automated Garbage Collection

Automated Garbage Collection Begins December 5th!

Automated Garbage Flyer Page 1

Automated Garbage Flyer Page 2

Port Alberni is moving forward to implement an automated garbage waste collection system. Every single family residence and those multi-family units, that currently receive curbside can collection service, will be supplied with specially-designed wheeled carts. On the regularly scheduled collection day, residents will wheel their new carts to their usual location in the street for the City to empty using new trucks equipped with mechanical arms.

The City is implementing this cost-efficient waste collection system to improve service, worker safety and the environment. Each property owner will be initially provided with one garbage cart at no cost. Residents will be able to choose the size of their garbage cart. The new system will eliminate manual lifting and handling of garbage and will improve our workers’ safety and reduce injuries. The new system will also result in less litter in the streets and lanes and encourage a higher participation in recycling to help the City meet its waste reduction goals.

As part of the implementation of this program, the City encourages property owners to visit one of the information displays at Echo Centre, City Hall and our website to view the new carts and find out more about the program. The City will be mailing all affected property owners a detailed information brochure and cart order form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

General

What is automated garbage collection?

Automated collection is a system where garbage carts are emptied into a garbage truck using a mechanical arm, instead of lifting and emptying carts by hand.

How does it work?

Residents that currently receive curbside collection will be supplied with specially designed wheeled carts. Residents choose the size of cart they need for their garbage. On collection day, residents wheel their carts to their usual collection location in the street. The City then empties the carts using trucks equipped with mechanical arms.

Why are we changing the way we collect garbage?

The City needed to replace its two older garbage trucks so it was a good time to look for efficiencies. The City will see cost savings by using an automated system. Less manual lifting improves employee safety and reduces the number of on-the-job injuries. It’s a more efficient, safe and responsible method of garbage collection.

How will the new carts be distributed?

The City will, at no charge, supply and deliver one cart to every residence provided with garbage pickup.

Who will own the carts?

The carts are the property of the City and will be assigned to each property. A serial number identifies the property to which the carts belong. If you move, do not take your cart, the cart remains with the property for the next resident.

How do I pay for the new automated service?

Garbage collection fees will continue to be collected 3 times per year on your City of Port Alberni utility bill.

To promote greater waste reduction and to create incentives, the automated collection program offers residents the flexibility to choose the size of garbage cart that will best meet their needs. A pricing structure based on the size of garbage can will be used.

Garbage Cart Sizes and Collection Costs

Cart Size (litres)	Equivalent Standard 80 litre can (approx)	Yearly Collection ($)
80	1	$83 per year
120	1.5	$98 per year
240	3	$200 per year

Will there be any staff layoffs with the new automated system?

There will be no layoffs of Regular Full Time and Temporary Full Time Public Works staff.

Who is responsible for cart maintenance?

Residents will be responsible for routine maintenance such as cleaning the carts, removing them from the street after collection and storing them in a safe place. The carts carry a 10-year warranty and the City will take care of any warranty repairs. Any stolen carts or those damaged through neglect or misuse will be replaced at the property owner’s expense.

What size are these carts? Will the carts have sufficient capacity to fit my needs?

Residents choose the size of cart they need for their garbage.
Garbage carts:

Click here to order your cart online

What are the cart dimensions?

Cart Dimensions (l x w x h)
80 L = 22” long x 20” wide x 35” high (false bottom)
120 L = 22” long x 20” wide x 35” high
240 L = 27” long x 26” wide x 41” high

Where should I store the cart?

Wherever it is convenient: outside a door, in a garage or carport, or some other easy-to-reach location. If you will be storing your cart in an outside location you may wish to select the animal resistant lid option.

Where will I put my cart for collection?

On collection day, carts should be placed on the street, with the wheels against the curb, if there is one, or just off the road, on the shoulder. The carts have large wheels that make them easy to roll, even over curbs, gravel and snow.

I have physical limitations; how will I move the cart?

Some residents living with a disability may find it difficult to take their carts out. For those who apply for and are granted an exemption based on a disability, City crews will assist the resident at no additional cost. However, if other people in the household are capable of rolling the cart to the street, this service will not be offered. Forms for this service can be picked up at City Hall or downloaded from the City’s website.

What am I going to do with my old garbage cans?

Don’t throw them out just yet – there are plenty of uses for them:

Storage for play equipment.
Storage for returnable beverage containers.
Storage for paper or cardboard.
Storage for tin cans and other recyclable materials.
Use as a rain barrel.

Your old garbage cans are perfect for transporting your recyclable materials. If you’re not already recycling, this would be a great time to start. By diverting waste from the landfill we can add years to the landfill’s life, saving our environment and taxpayer dollars now and in the future.

I am a tenant in a residential basement suite, do I get my own cart?

No. Each property will receive one cart for garbage. Property owners with suites are encouraged to choose a cart size that will meet the needs for all residents living on the property.

Are all Port Alberni residents getting this new service?

No. Only residential homes, as well as some multi-family units and commercial businesses that currently receive curbside pick up service, will be moving to the new automated service.

How heavy are the new carts?

The carts are on wheels, therefore are easier to handle than standard garbage cans.

How long does it take the new automated trucks to lift, empty and replace the new carts?

It takes less than a minute for the new automated trucks to lift, empty and replace the new carts.

Will the new automated system generate an increase in noise due to collection of each cart?

No. The new automated trucks are not anticipated to generate any more noise than existing collection trucks.

Will there be changes to the garbage collection schedule?

Yes, there will be minor changes to some routes and the resident will be directly notified.

Carts

How do I choose the size carts I need?

Port Alberni property owners received a brochure and cart order form in the mail at the end of June 2011. The deadline to order carts will be July 22, 2011. If the City does not receive your cart order, the 120L for garbage pickup, will be delivered.

Tell me about the animal resistant hardware.

Garbage attracts animals such as dogs, bears and raccoons. The carts provided to the resident can be fitted with animal resistant hardware that greatly reduces the risk of access. The resident operates a clip mechanism that locks and unlocks the lid. When the cart is put out on the day of collection the resident unlocks the lid for the automated collection garbage truck to pick up and dump.

If your cart is stored in a location that is not vulnerable to animals, then the animal resistant hardware for the cart is not required and you can indicate this on the order form. The price of the service doesn’t change with or without the animal resistant hardware.

I am a tenant living in a property that will be switching to the new system, how do I order carts?

For cart orders or changes, it is best to check with the owner of the property you rent from and discuss any changes to cart sizes you require.

What if I want to change the size of the cart I ordered?

Please contact the City at 720-2840 to notify them of your cart exchange request. Any changes to carts are subject to a service fee of $25.00 (includes HST). Payment of the $25.00 exchange fee must be made before the cart will be exchanged. Payments may be made to the City of Port Alberni in person or by mail.

City of Port Alberni, Engineering Department
4850 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V8

Will the new carts be delivered?

Yes. Delivery of the new carts will start in the fall depending on our supplier date. Please monitor the local newspapers and this website, for information on delivery areas and dates.

What if I’m moving?

DO NOT take your carts with you when you move. The carts that were supplied to you belong with the property; please leave them behind for the new residents. If you are moving within Port Alberni, and the carts at your new residence do not meet your needs, contact the City at 250-720-2840 to request a cart size change (cost may apply).

What if I just moved in? How do I know if the previous owner ordered carts?

If you just moved into a property you can call 250-720-2840 to find out the size of the carts that were delivered for your property. If you require different size carts, please see What If I want to change the size of the cart I ordered? for information on how to request a cart change.

What if my cart is lost or stolen?

If your cart is lost or stolen contact the City immediately (250-720-2840). City staff will make arrangements to replace your cart. Residents are responsible for purchasing replacement carts for those reported lost or stolen. The cost of new carts is based on size:

Garbage Cart Replacement Costs

Garbage Cart Size	Replacement Cost (Includes HST)
80 L	The replacement cost will be determined on the purchase price of the new carts
120 L
240 L

What if my cart is damaged?

If your cart is damaged contact the City immediately (250-720-2840. City staff will make arrangements to repair or replace the damaged cart.

Collection

How do I set out the new carts for collection?

Set out by 7:00 a.m. Set out your garbage carts by 7:00 a.m. in your lane or street you normally use on collection day.

Point it
Place carts so the arrows on the lid point towards the centre of the lane or street (handles will face your property).

Space it
Place your carts so that there is approximately 1m (3ft) of space on all sides and at least 3m (10ft) of clearance above.

Bring it back in
After your garbage carts have been emptied, remember to remove them from the lane or street and back to your property.

Will my cart be emptied if I place it the wrong way on the curb?

No. It is important to place the cart in the proper direction in order to be picked up. An information package will be delivered along with your new carts with instructions on how to place out carts for collection. Please see “How do I set out the new carts for collection?” for more information.

What if trees, cars, or poles interfere with cart pickup?

Place the carts away from trees and parked cars to avoid potential damage to private property and collection equipment.

Will my garbage be picked up at the same time as before?

Your pick up day will remain as indicated on your curbside collection calendar. Please ensure that your garbage and recyclables are placed out for pick-up by 7:00 a.m. each collection day, as the time your items are picked up may vary with the new collection routine.

May I continue to use my old garbage carts?

No. The new carts provided by the City are specifically designed for the use of the mechanical gripper and lifting arm. For this reason, the new truck will only pick up the new carts.

Can bags or boxes of extra garbage be placed at the curb for pickup?

No. All garbage must be placed in the cart for pick up. The lid must be able to close and not overflow. Carts that are overflowing, or garbage placed outside of the carts will not be picked up.

Do I need to bag my garbage inside the cart?

Not necessarily, large garbage bags are not required. Many items can be put in loose.

Why does the lid on the cart need to be closed?

Lids should remain closed to prevent animals and birds from entering the cart and to avoid rainwater from accumulating inside the cart. If you have chosen animal resistant hardware you are responsible for unlocking the lid on your collection day.

What if I sometimes have more garbage than fits into my cart?

The City encourages residents to choose the size garbage cart that will meet their needs year round and encourages residents to utilize the recycling program as much as possible for all recyclable materials. Garbage will be picked up by the City in the specified cart only and any excess garbage will have to be placed in the emptied cart for pick up on the next collection day.

Single Family Curbside Garbage Collection

The City of Port Alberni provides weekly garbage collection to residential homes. The City collects garbage using an automated collection system that uses specially designed wheeled carts for collection.

Garbage Collection Guidelines:

Garbage collection is limited to one (1) wheeled cart per week.
All garbage must fit into the cart with the lid closed. Do not overfill the cart; overfilled carts will not be collected.
Garbage must be set out by 7:00 a.m. on your regular scheduled collection day.
On the day of collection the resident unlocks the lid for the automated garbage truck to pick up and dump.
Items that do not qualify for normal garbage pickup or are banned from the garbage can be disposed of at special depots or through specialized waste management companies. See below for examples of unacceptable garbage and disposal options.

Materials NOT accepted as garbage:

NO

Liquids of any kind
Household chemicals (cleaners, soaps)
Building and demolition materials
Dirt, rocks and sod
Animal waste and carcasses
Household batteries, including rechargeable
Recyclable materials accepted in the ACRD blue box recycling program & Recycling Depot
- cardboard, newspaper, office paper, mixed waste paper (boxboard, magazines, envelopes,
  directories)
- metal food containers
- plastic containers number 1, 2, 4 & 5 & plastic shopping bags
Household paints, stains & their containers including aerosol
Solvents, flammable liquids & gasoline
Lead acid (vehicles) batteries
Prescription & non-prescription drugs
Motor oil & carts
Oil filters
Car parts
Vehicle tires
Electronic goods including computers & their peripherals, desk-top printers & televisions

Multi-Family Garbage Collection

The City offers a garbage collection service to multi-family buildings. There are two types of carts used for Multi-family garbage collection:

Wheeled cart (automated collection service), or
Dumpster bin. For more information, please call 250-720-2840.

Bear Aware

Bears are often attracted to residential neighborhoods by food odors. Once a bear has located a good food source, it has the ability to remember that location and return. Bears will also communicate to other bears (through their scat and scent trails), the location of the food source, and that it is a safe place to feed. Bear Smart Society website www.bearsmart.com

Collection During Snow and Ice Conditions

During snowy and/or icy road conditions, the city may find it necessary to delay garbage collection. If this happens, and your regular collection day is missed, collection will occur on the following day if weather conditions permit. In some circumstances, collection may be delayed more than one day if extreme conditions persist.

Slippery roads, especially on sloped and more challenging streets, are unsafe for large collection vehicles and workers. Our first priority will be to clear/plow roads to make collection possible. Please do not bring in your carts unless there is a special notice posted on the home page of the web site advising you to do so. If this occurs, an alternate schedule will be posed to advise when your collection will be completed.

Cart Placement During Snow Conditions

It is the resident’s responsibility to clear appropriate space at the curb/roadway in front of their property for placement of carts. If you are unsure where to place your carts in severe weather conditions on your street, please contact City Works Yard at
250-720-2840 for advice.