GARBAGE – No major problems with garbage pickup during holiday season

Despite some concerns about the extended solid waste collection schedule over the holiday period, it was business as usual for the operators and the call centre, says the City.

Excess material reports made by solid waste truck operators between Dec. 27, 2023, and Jan. 10, 2024, show that out of 84,000 garbage, organics, and recycling carts collected, there were only 70 reports of excess material left at the curb — 30 for excess garbage and 40 for excess recycling (no reports of excess organics).

“These were instances where residents left additional material at the curb beside their cart thinking the City would collect it. We do not collect excess material left at the curb; however, operators do record the instances of excess material for tracking purposes,” said Glen Farrow, the City’s streets and environmental services manager.

“So, what these numbers mean is that less than one per cent of carts set out over that extended holiday period were accompanied by excess waste,” said Farrow.

Graphic courtesy of City of Kamloops
Above: Table summarizing the number of excess material reports made by solid waste truck operators between December 27 and January 10.

The City recognizes that this does not necessarily mean that residents did not have excess material, he said.

“We are hopeful that it means they understood the collection schedule and managed any excess material appropriately, such as through dropping items off at recycling depots or holding onto material until the next collection day,” said Farrow.

The City had a campaign on radio, news websites, social media, and through the Waste Wise app to inform residents of the extended period and where they could find tips to manage excess waste.

“Another way of interpreting the report numbers is that our new system is working as intended, that garbage levels are reduced as residents use the organics cart for compostable items, and that residents continue to learn what can go into the recycling cart or to a recycling depot.”

During the Dec. 27 to Jan. 10 period, aside from the operator reports, Farrow noted the City’s call centre only received a handful of calls from residents regarding the holiday collection schedule. In addition to sharing tips for managing excess material, callers were advised they could consider rightsizing/upsizing their carts.

“I want to thank our curbside customers for their preparation and co-operation. I think we’ve demonstrated that together we can get through the challenging holiday period. Overall, it shows that the community is adapting to the biweekly garbage and recycling format and can even manage a few extra days between collection,” Farrow stated.

For collection schedules and tips to manage excess waste, visit Kamloops.ca/CollectionSchedules.

To sign up for collection day reminders and to look up what goes where, download the free Waste Wise app at Kamloops.ca/WasteWise.

For more information on rightsizing carts and for sizes and rates, visit Kamloops.ca/CollectionRates.