City of Windsor staff and councillors say they hear residents' concerns about the new large recycle carts and they share them.
"We share the concerns that we're hearing. I'm hearing from lots of residents about the concerns about the bins going to the landfill or being garbage and that's not a good answer for us as the city or the county at all. We're very disappointed with that answer to be honest with you," said Jim Leether, Senior Manager of Environmental Services at the City of Windsor.
The new large carts were distributed by Circular Materials, the provincial not-for-profit organization that will be solely responsible for recycle collection starting January 1.
The city has heard numerous complaints about the size the container and how old containers will no longer be accepted.
"Circular Materials has been largely absent from responding to the concerns and the questions that residents have which are really common sense questions," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. "What do I do with the existing bin? What do I do if I'm a senior and I can't move that giant bin to the curb? How do I still participate?"
Leether wants residents to know the bins can be repurposed for garbage or yard waste collection.
"I'm personally going to reuse one of my blue bins as a yard waste bin at my home. I think it's a great use of it and it's certainly beats throwing it out," said Leether.
Leether said residents could use spray paint to denote how the bin is being repurposed but waste collectors will know which carts are Circular Materials.
At Monday's City Council Meeting, councillors voted to send a formal letter to Circular Materials requesting more communication with the city and its residents.
They also want the ability to use smaller containers for people who can't store the large containers and people who might have difficulty getting them to the road.
