ST. PAUL - The topic was trash during the Town of St. Paul's most recent telephone townhall meeting, held on Nov. 3.
For an hour, residents had the opportunity to ask questions about a plan to move ahead with new roll-out garbage bins, while Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller, Coun. Nathan Taylor, CAO Kim Heyman and director of public works Steven Jeffery, were on hand to answer those questions.
Purchasing the garbage bins was an item inherited by the current town council. Funds have been set aside for the project for some time already, as a way to deal with improved employee safety and efficiency for garbage pick-up. The town's garbage truck is capable of lifting the specific garbage bins, allowing employees to stay inside the truck, and not lift the garbage themselves.
The estimated cost of purchasing the roll-out bins is about $200,000.
The bins would also control the amount of trash being picked up. The bins are 90 gallons in size, which is estimated to hold three or four large garbage bags.
During the opening remarks, Taylor explained the importance of people separating dry and wet waste. He noted that it costs about three times more to dispose of wet waste at the landfill. Miller stated that she personally separates dry and wet waste in her household.
Taylor acknowledged that moving to the roll-out bins "would mean a change to our usual routines."
The first question asked was about the immediate changes that residents would see once the bins arrive. Bins purchased by the town will be delivered to each home, and the new process is expected to kick-off in the spring, but no exact date has been set.
Disposing of grass clippings was also brought up, with Taylor stating the best way to deal with grass clippings is to leave them on the ground.
A question around multi-family dwellings was also brought up, with one caller asking if those residences would get more than one bin. Jeffery said a request for a second bin would likely have to be made, but many of those details are still being worked on.
A discussion around recycling also took place. With one person asking what the Town of St. Paul is doing to encourage recycling. Taylor noted the economics around small town recycling is "cost prohibitive." But he assured the caller that the municipality is going to continue to explore other regional recycling opportunities.
The switch from back alley pick-up to curbside pick-up was also brought up throughout the meeting. While there are some areas of town that will still see their garbage picked up in the back alley, many residents will have to get used to putting their garbage out front.
"This is going to be a big change," said Jeffery. He further explained that the arm of the garbage truck will be able to go around obstacles, such as vehicles, and the system is meant to keep the garbage truck driver in the truck. He noted that many back alleys are too narrow and have utility lines that cause issues with garbage pick-up.
One resident voiced concern over the curbside pick-up, and how it may not be convenient for homeowners. With garbage pick-up in the back alley, residents can put their garbage out a day or two early if needed, but putting garbage out in the front won't allow the same flexibility.
Miller conceded that the new system will not be convenient for everybody, but all the issues and concerns are being heard.
A question regarding the potential theft of bins was also brought up. Taylor responded, saying in his discussions with the neighbouring municipality of Elk Point, theft of roll-out garbage bins has not been an issue. Since Elk Point brought in the program, they've only had to replace about two bins a year due to the bins being cracked or damaged, and they simply budget accordingly.
Miller said she didn't think theft of bins would be an issue. And while there was no specific answer to what would happen if a bin was stolen, it is an issue that will be worked into the town's policy.
When speaking about financials, it was noted that funds have already been set aside for the garbage bins. In the end, the new system should be more efficient and save the municipality money, since it will reduce the staff needed for garbage pick-up, and the amount of time required for pick-up.
A question about back alley bins that residents already have, and if they would have to be removed, was brought up. Jeffery said if the bins are on private property, then residents could certainly repurpose them for their own use. But, if the bins are in the way of snow removal, or they crowd the back alley and are not on private property, they will likely have to be removed.
As the meeting wrapped up, Miller thanked those who participated in the meeting, stating, everyone in the community has a role to play in keeping the town clean. She noted that council will use the information gathered to create policy and proceed forward.
Poll questions
During the townhall meeting, participants were asked to answer four poll questions. Those questions were:
- Does your household generate more than two full garbage bags each collections period? 75 per cent said yes, and 25 per cent said no.
- Is garbage picked up frequently enough? 94 per cent said yes, and six per cent said no
- Have you ever disposed of extra garbage at the transfer station? 78 per cent said yes, and 22 per cent said no
- Does the transfer station's hours meet your needs? 75 per cent said yes, and 25 per cent said no
