Hamilton might be switching to bi-weekly garbage collection

A new motion introduced by a Hamilton city councillor may mean that local residents will have to hold on to their trash a little longer.

On Monday, Ward 8 councillor John-Paul Danko introduced this motion in front of the city’s Public Works Committee as a proposed means of combatting forthcoming tax increases; increases occurring as a result of rising maintenance and operations costs for Hamilton’s recycling facilities.

The motion states that Council is dedicated to its exploration of efficient waste management models, and that bi-weekly garbage collection is just one potential cost-effective option.

The idea is hardly unique to Hamilton. Other neighbouring municipalities are adopting a similar model, including plans underway in Ottawa and Halton and a plan already in effect in the Niagara region. The model has the potential to save Hamilton tax-payers millions each year.

Discussion of biweekly garbage collection returns to Hamilton city council https://t.co/HjwqpS8HHi

— 900 CHML (@AM900CHML) November 4, 2019

The idea, of course, has its share of detractors with admittedly valid concerns. Biweekly garbage collection will, after all, naturally result in a double-sized accumulation of waste lying dormant for longer periods of time within Hamilton homes before it is formally disposed of; a fact that could result in its share of issues, from odours to space management to potential pest problems.

That said, the bi-weekly collection would only apply specifically to landfill waste. “All other recycling, yard and organic waste would continue to be collected weekly,” explains Councillor Danko. If the motion is passed, it could mean major changes to the ways Hamilton residents store their weekly trash.

How do you feel about this idea, Hamilton? Let us know in the comments!

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• garbage
• garbage collection
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• residents
• taxes
• trash
• Ward 8
• waste