City hosting open houses on new recycling program

Brian Murphy, general manager of environmental utilities with the city, says since the program was announced, the city has received positive feedback from residents at events, such as the spring trade show.

“We have a strong majority of positive support for the program,” he said. “Most residents are excited and looking forward to the program. The questions we get most often are when will I receive my cart? What can I put in it? How do I use it? Where do it set it out?”

Blue carts will be delivered to residents in the spring who already have a grey cart for waste collection. Murphy says a final date for when roll out begins has not yet been decided, but the carts will be delivered on a staggered basis to each zone in Medicine Hat, which will take approximately five weeks.

When they do arrive at homes, Murphy says the city is making it as easy as possible for residents to use them.

“We’re going to deliver with the cart an information package, and we really want people to take the time to look at that information,” he said. “It’s very clear on how best to use the cart, and if everyone takes advantage of that information, we will have a successful program.”

Blue bins will be collected at the same time garbage is collected in each zone.

The net cost for residents will be less than $6 per month and included on utility bills. There is no opting out of the program.

by Charles Lefebvre

City hosting open houses on new recycling program

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