OrilliaMatters received the following letter to the editor from reader, Nick Tod, who expresses concerns over recent changes to the recycling enforcement in the city.
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I, like many Orillians, received a letter from Environment and Infrastructure Services Department upon having my recycling picked up yesterday and was provided with a notice that states they will no longer pick up my recycling in the container at the road.
In the notice, it states that my container is too similar to a garbage can and is confusing for drivers. Please see the images supplied in the memo that have clearly identified recycle bin logos front and centre on the containers.
Please also keep in mind that this memo was printed in black and white and these containers are actually bright blue in nature. It also states that effective immediately they will no longer accept my recycling in this container. This internal training issue is being taken out on our taxpayers for a service all owners pay towards.
To be clear, I use a "Rubbermaid 121L Wheel Recycle Trash Can" as per Home Depot's'description (here). It is a large, clearly identified recycle bin with the correct logo and symbol by the manufacturer.
I called Greg Preston, the manager of Environmental Services, and was advised of the same thing: that their drivers are confused by these containers. They are unable to tell the difference driving by if they are garbage containers or recycling containers.
I failed to see how that was possible as we have been educated on the recycle symbol since the early 80's here in Orillia and the program to recycle. A simpler solution, which I myself implemented when it was missed one day, was to face the logo to the street. If I did not, I could understand why it could be misidentified on the rotating week when there is recycling and garbage.
Perhaps an internal training session would be better suited than forcing Orillians to go out for an unnecessary trip to purchase new bins during a pandemic. I was also advised that I can go to the waste disposal site and purchase new bins for $5 each. With their limited hours, I personally cannot make it until next week (after our next recycling day) to obtain it. I was also advised that I could use this bin for garbage now instead.
So here is my thought. Our household uses one garbage bag for two weeks and recycles everything we can. We also compost everything we can. I use this bigger bin for cans, plastics, containers etc .. pretty much all that we are supposed to and make sure it stays under the 44-pound limit.
Am I now to double my waste because I have no bin for recycling these items and two "garbage" containers? Would this not confuse drivers more when they see a recycle symbol but are told not to look and its garbage?
What if I put my recycling in a clear bag in this container, but it’s cans, and throw a garbage tag on it ... then who takes it? The garbage person? It’s tagged after all but I’m just letting him see the contents. Or is it the recycling person because if I take that bag and put it on the ground he’d take it.
Orillia recycling notice. Photo supplied In Summary, this now mandated proposal from our waste management department is increasing waste short and simple.
- Forcing new bins to be manufactured and purchased;
- Forcing the use of plastic bags to be used instead; s
- Forcing an unnecessary trip into the public to purchase said bin during the pandemic at the waste disposal site (or for people like me paying extra to obtain from Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Home hardware etc ...)
Nick Tod
Orillia
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