Leaf and yard collection going to paper bags was approved at Monday's Council meeting.
Councillors voted 17-0 in favor of mandating that paper bags be used for leaf and yard waste collection effective January 1, 2025.
Councillor Wright asked if going to paper bags would affect the leaf vac truck, as some communities still use this service.
"This report recommends only paper bag mandate application," said CK Manager of Waste Management Huda Oda. "Any changes to the level of service in each town or other communities that receive curbside will come to Council as a package with the entire organics diversion program."
The closing of the Tilbury Leaf and Yard Waste Depot was not discussed at this meeting.
Original article was published on June 22, 2024.
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Get ready for some possible changes to leaf and yard waste collection in Chatham-Kent.
Monday night at its meeting, Chatham-Kent Council will be discussing the possible closure of the Tilbury Leaf and Yard Waste Depot at 4 Tower Street, despite 71 per cent of the residents recently surveyed saying they want to keep it open.
The municipality also wants to mandate the use of paper bags for those getting curbside leaf and yard waste collection at Bates Subdivision, Blenheim, Bothwell, Thamesville, Ridgetown, and Tilbury.
If approved, the paper bags will come into effect January 1, 2025.
A report by CK Manager of Waste Management Huda Oda stated mounting operational pressures and costs at the Tilbury depot have prompted the need to consider its closure.
"The operational pressures are primarily related to the inability to grind leaf and yard waste at this site due to its proximity to residential properties, which are considered noise receptors under a registered grinding equipment’s Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) as stipulated by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)," said Oda. "The proximity to residential properties also poses a high risk associated with vandalism, trespassing, and potential arson near or at the brush pile."
The report also noted transitioning from plastic bag collection of leaf and yard waste to paper bags received 56 per cent support of those surveyed.
Administration is recommending the implementation of a paper bag mandate for the curbside leaf and yard waste collection, saying it's a best practice in the industry that is widespread in Ontario.
Staff said paper bags minimize plastic waste and are better for the environment, they are easily recyclable and compostable, and are durable and convenient for collecting yard waste.
Oda also said enhancing leaf and yard waste collection will help divert more waste from landfill and meet the provincial target.
Those who can't afford to buy the paper bags can continue to bring their leaf and yard waste to the nearest municipal drop-off depot for free, according to the municipality.
All municipal leaf and yard depot operations, curbside leaf and yard waste collection services, and future organic waste diversion programs will be reviewed as one system and the public consulted before it's finalized in a few months, said Oda, adding the depot in Tilbury will remain open for now with leaf and yard waste continuing to be hauled elsewhere for grinding.
"Reviewing the leaf and yard waste collection program in conjunction with the potential green bin program as a system will lead to opportunities for decreasing the discrepancy in levels of service amongst Chatham-Kent communities. This will help achieve a higher level of equity amongst Chatham-Kent residents," Oda wrote in her report.