The ‘art’ of garbage collection is changing

NEWS/ CITY HALL — Garbage collection is a messy business and, according to one City councillor, an art.

Kamloops City council got a primer on the art and science of garbage pickup today at a workshop, and may eventually have to make decisions on changes to the system, but not for now.

The City operates up to 13 garbage trucks in five zones, with each truck collecting waste from between 450 and 500 homes. That’s a lot of mileage and garbage, and most of the fleet will have to be replaced over the next five years, council was told. The replacements will be bigger and better, with newer technology.

Scheduling is under constant review and the current seven-day collection system might give way to bi-weekly, one-day or a “4/10” system — four days at 10 hours under which collection would be the same day each week regardless of statutory holidays.

The 4/10 system would provide the ability for trucks to take their loads to the landfill more than once a day, which would result in savings that biweekly and 10-day collection wouldn’t.

Other future changes might include banning biosolids — food scraps — from collection, and equipping trucks with GPS to make scheduling more efficient.

Councillors acknowledged that garbage collection is always open to criticism.

“People tend to personalize it to their own particular circumstance,” said Coun. Ken Christian.

Coun. Tina Lange said garbage crews do a great job. “I watch the guys coming down the alley and they’re artists,” she said.

“This is probably one of the most discussed subjects we’ve had over the years,” said Coun. Pat Wallace.”

Coun. Donovan Cavers felt the 4/10 system would create some turmoil at first but residents would warm to it because of the consistency of pickup.

Meanwhile, it’s getting more costly to take waste to landfills. In keeping with recent increases to tipping fees by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, the City must boost fees for both construction and household waste.

Those changes are expected this summer for construction waste and next January for household.

“Garbage is an interesting subject because people have so many different opinions on it,” concluded Coun. Marg Spina.

Changes in the pickup schedule aren’t expected for quite some time.