To the Editor,
Re: Garbage rules too fussy, Letters, July 5.
The refuse collector left the waste for safety reasons. Loose garbage can only be collected from garbage cans with a capacity of 77 litres or less. The can used by the resident in this case was larger. Staff are not able to collect loose waste from cans larger than 77L due to risk of injury. Any garbage presented in a larger can must be placed in a single standard sized bag so the collector can lift the bag out of the can without lifting the can.
The city acknowledges that these regulations are quite exacting however, there is good reason. Refuse collectors lift 1,400 cans a day for a total weight of five tonnes. The exposure to injury is great, this rule helps minimize the risks.
Happily, we can tell you that we are beginning to update our operations. This fall we will be introducing automated collection to the central area of Nanaimo. Residents will receive wheeled carts which will be lifted and dumped into the truck by a mechanical arm; drivers will remain inside the vehicle. Automated collection will remove the need to bag waste. With council’s permission, we hope to expand this service in the future.
We strive to provide the best possible service and we look forward to implementing changes that will be an improvement for residents and workers.
Charlotte Davismanager of sanitation, recycling and public works administrationCity of Nanaimo