Automated collection refers to the system where an operator activates a mechanical arm on the side of the collection vehicle to lift and empty standardized collection carts.   Carts/bins are provided for residents to fill and place at curb, these carts are compatible with the arm on City trucks for easy removal.  

Currently, this waste gets shipped by barge to the Roosevelt Regional Landfill in the State of Washington. Reducing the amount of garbage we produce will lower our community’s environmental impact, conserve resources, and reduce our carbon emissions

Carts are 132 litres (35 US gallons).  38.2" high, 22.3" long, 22.8" wide.  Rubber wheels are 8" in diameter.  Body is 17 lbs and assembled complete weight is 23 lbs.  

For excess waste, residents have two options; purchase a second 132L cart for weekly collection or for occasional excess waste you can purchase a tag for an extra bag to be picked up.

Its important to set your carts out properly on collection day, to ensure that they will be collected.   

• Place your cart at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from other containers, cars or any object.  Three metres (10 feet) of space is required between the top of the cart and overhead branches, wires or any object.  
• Place your cart on level ground, with back wheels facing towards the house or driveway.  (A slight slope is okay as long as the carts are upright and steady.)
• Make sure the lid is fully closed. 
• Only household waste is collected in this program

Before placing anything in the garbage cart, please consider the following:

• Can it go in my recycling or compost?
• Can it be fixed or refurbished?
• Can it go to a recycle depot?
• Can it be donated?

REDUCE THE PLASTIC, MINIMIZE WASTE AND MAXIMIZE RECYCLING!

The new carts are 23 lbs. empty with large rubber wheels for a smoooooth ride. Cameron is able to get it out to the curb so we think you will have no issues!

Council has approved Municipal Solid Waste Bylaw 2160, 2021 which states garbage within the provided cart will not be tagged.  For occasional excess waste, you can use a tag for one extra bag (maximum 4 additional bags a week).  

Keep your bins clean and store inside.  Clean or rinse materials before placed in garbage and if necessary freeze and place on your curb the morning of your collection date.  

WildSafeBC is the provincial leader in preventing conflict with wildlife through collaboration, education and community solutions. It has evolved out of the highly successful Bear Aware program and is owned and delivered by the British Columbia Conservation Foundation. WildSafeBC provides information on how we can reduce human-wildlife conflicts in all aspects of our lives, including how we live, work, play and grow. 

To keep odor low, keep carts and trucks sanitary, please bag all garbage.  Black garbage bags are not necessary but are preferred.  You can also use clear, white, blue or grocery bags for garbage disposal.  

Yes, City staff manually collects garbage from your curbside.  Garbage is then dropped at Augusta Recyclers Inc, then transported to the landfill.  

These carts are homeowner’s responsibility and just like anything else you own, keeping it in good working condition is important.

• Rinse your cart with water and pour the contents on the grass or gravel, being careful the dirty water does not enter the storm drain.
• Try mixing 1 part vinegar and 3 parts hot water to clean the surface and remove odors.
• Store in a secured location on your property.

Garbage, recycling and organics bins get smelly.  Regular washing can help to keep odors low.  For wildlife protection, please keep carts and bins inside or in an enclosed area.  

The best way to reduce waste is to make good choices when you purchase.  Is the item something you need?  Is it reusable?  is it recyclable?  Is there an another choice you can make that is reusable or recyclable?

Try Waste Wizard on the City website to see if there is any alternative use before it goes to a landfill.

Blue bags are garbage and are not accepted in the RecycleBC program.  Collecting materials in a container, placing on the curb to be emptied then to be refilled again is not creating the extra waste.  

The Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) facilitates the exchange of ideas and knowledge that enable efficient solutions to eliminate waste.

Founded in 1974, RCBC is Canada's longest serving recycling council, but it is about more than just recycling. RCBC works to prevent and reduce the use of resources before they ever need to be recycled.

Recycle BC is responsible for residential packaging and paper recycling in BC. The City of Powell River has an agreement with RecycleBC to process the recyclable materials collected, along with 99 other districts within British Columbia.  RecycleBC states what materials are accepted and financially rewards and fines by contamination rate.

Staff have noticed higher recycling volumes, which is great! In efforts to combat the higher volume, staff has proposed to council, a pilot project where recycle will be picked up weekly starting with 1 route, to test it's success. 

Starting January 2021, Route E is being collected weekly.  Initial resource shows this service is beneficial to both staff and homeowners.  More data will be collected and reviewed before service is extended to all areas. 

Glass is not part of the accepted materials by RecycleBC.  The City of Powell River does not decided what items are recyclable, the program processing the materials decides.  99 districts in British Columbia follow RecycleBC's program with the same standards. 

In 2015, RecycleBC standardized what materials are collected at curbside.  Since then, 99 districts in BC have agreements with RecycleBC and follow their guidelines.  Depots can make adjustments and specialize to collect other materials, as they source other sources who can use the material.  

Materials are collected and transported to Green by Nature EPR to manage packaging and printed paper recycling program.

https://recyclebc.ca/multi-material-bc-selects-green-by-nature-epr-to-manage-post-collection-system-for-packaing-and-printed-paper-recycling-program/#:~:text=Vancouver%2C%20BC%20(February%2027%2C,packaging%20and%20printed%20paper%20recycling

After this survey is completed, City staff will take results to City Council within reports to help decide how to shape the future of curbside collections.  Planning for local processing of organics materials by qathet Regional District is in progress.  At this time, 400 Powell River residents are participating in a pilot project for curbside organics collection.  The material collected is transported out of town, local processing of this would help to be able to offer this service to all residents. 

Strategic Priority 1 Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation.

Amend bylaws to prohibit use of garburators

Westview Treatment Plant and underground sanitary lines are not designed for materials created in the kitchen.  

Salish Soils Inc.  processes the organics and they decide what is accepted.  ONLY "bag to earth" brand bags are able to brake down completely and are the only accepted bag.  Otherwise, place all organics loose in the cart for collection.

Please do not put yard waste or organics on the curb unless you are part of the organics pilot project.  Staff can not manually collect organics.  Augusta and Sunshine Disposal will accept organic materials.  

jj

The cost of the service, as stated in Municipal Solid Waste Collection Bylaw 2160, 2021, is collected as a levy with Municipal taxes. The increase from $79 to $120 will appear on 2022 tax invoices for each homeowner. The $120 is for weekly collection of garbage waste (volume within cart), as well as biweekly recycling collection. An additional cart for excess garbage, is an increase of $80; total $200 annually.

Augusta is not part or funded by the City of Powell River.  Augusta Recycling Inc. is a private business.