Mayor suggests free garbage weeks at landfills

In a memo to council yesterday, City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham proposed a pilot project which would permit no charge residential household waste and leaf and yard drop off in the spring and fall at landfills.

Council adopted the resolution that for two weeks around the May long weekend and two weeks around the Thanksgiving long weekend in 2018, residents are permitted to drop off unlimited residential household waste and leaf and yard waste at landfill sites during regular operating hours.

During the pilot, clear bags are required as are all other regulations, with the exception that during these four weeks in total, there will be no charge or quantity limit for residential waste drop off. The City will continue to charge for black bags and/or mixed waste that is dropped off.

“I hope that this enhancement to residential waste service will not only encourage those who have been dumping garbage to put it where it belongs, but also give a break to those who diligently clean up their cottages and homes twice a year. As with every enhancement to service levels, there is a cost. We will assess lost revenues from landfill fees for those four weeks while balancing public demand for the service going forward,” explains Letham.

The 2018 waste and recycling calendar will include the dates of the pilot project, the City website and MyWaste app will be updated accordingly and additional public communication about the pilot will be rolled out next year.