City Council to Consider Ceasing the Use of Garbage Cans For Curbside Collection Starting Oct. 31

Garbage containers could be a thing of the past as the idea is being proposed to City Council regarding waste collection by-law changes taking effect on Oct. 31.

Todd Willis, sanitation foreman tosses a garbage bag into the garbage truck. Bags can weigh anywhere and can exceed 45 lbs. in weight. Roughly 1,200 bags of garbage are collected by each truck daily. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The proposed change was brought up in a garbage demonstration related to the Waste Collection By-law by the City of Peterborough at the Municipal Operations Centre on Thursday morning.

The proposal will be considered at City Council’s General Committee meeting on Tuesday before going to the regular Council meeting to be considered for approval on Oct. 23.

The move was proposed to improve workplace health and safety for all sanitation workers. An average route for one truck results in 1,100 to 1,200 stops a day. Omitting garbage cans makes it easier for sanitation workers to get the garbage bags out of the cans according to the City.

Garbage collected outside containers allows collectors to see their contents while switching to clear bags.

“We’ve had workers get cut across the leg from glass or anything else sharp from garbage bags,” said Sean Adey, the City’s manager of parks, forestry and sanitation. “Some of our staff can get pricked by a needle and could contract HIV. We’ve had workers out for a few days to a few months because of it and it slows down our garbage collection.”

Over-piled bags, incorrect disposal of items, untied bags and overstuffed garbage bags are hazards that could pose threats to garbage workers. Photos courtesy of Sean Adey.

By-law changes already approved are switching to clear garbage bags, roughly 8,000 households having their waste collection day changed, introducing Green Waste Bins and garbage collection running every other week.

Households eligible for the Green Bin program are permitted four bags for garbage collection every other week on their respective collection day. The current limit is two lifts per week for collection for each household.

Bag weight limits are 30 pounds with up to three opaque privacy bags (up to 25 litres or 20 x 20 in. for each bag) can be put in each large clear garbage bag.

Businesses that use the garbage collection service are permitted 12 bags every other week.

Any downtown Business Improvement Area addresses will not shift to a bi-weekly schedule.

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City Services During Thanksgiving Monday

Several City services will offer modified holiday hours and some City facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving Monday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

City Hall

City Hall, including Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office, will be closed. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

Public Works

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Arenas Division

Healthy Planet Arena will be open on October 9 from noon to 10 p.m. for ice rentals booked in advance. The Customer Service counter will be open from noon to 3 p.m. for the Public Skate scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Peterborough Memorial Centre and Kinsmen Arena will be closed on October 9.

The Recreation Facility booking office is closed from Friday, October 6 at 3:30 p.m. and will re-open on Tuesday, October 10 at 8:30 a.m.

Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will be open on October 9 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit www.peterborough.ca/recreation for information about programs and schedules.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Monday, October 9.

For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, please visit www.agp.on.ca.

Garbage, recycling and yard waste

There will be no change to curbside collection of garbage, recycling and yard waste.

The Peterborough County and City Waste Management Facility (landfill) and the Household Hazardous Waste Depot will be closed on Monday, October 9.

The Pido Road Recycling Depot remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more details, please visit www.peterborough.ca/waste or call the Waste Management Division at 705-742-7777 ext. 1657.

Marina

The Marina will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 9. This is the final day of Marina operations for the 2023 season. To contact the Marina, please phone 705-742-0005 or email marina@peterborough.ca.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives and gift shop are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 9.

Information about current exhibitions is available online at www.peterborough.ca/museum.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library will be closed on Thanksgiving Monday. Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca/.

Provincial Offences office

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Oct. 9. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.

Social Services office

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed.

Emergency shelter services remain open: call 705-926-0096 after hours, during weekends and on holidays.

Child care centres

City-operated childcare centres will be closed on Oct. 9.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Holiday Service Schedule on Oct. 9.

Please visit the website www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525 for detailed schedules.

Peterborough Airport

The Airport hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 9.

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Green Bin Distribution Begins For New Organic Waste Collection Service

The City of Peterborough’s Green Bin distribution has begun deliveries to roughly 28,000 eligible households with weekly collection service beginning the week of Oct. 31 announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

The new service is intended to reduce the amount of garbage going to the landfill, extending its life and promoting sustainability by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions according to a press release.

By diverting organic waste from the landfill and converting it into valuable compost, we are taking a vital step toward a cleaner and healthier environment, said Mayor Jeff Leal.

“Residents have been asking the City for this service,” he said. “I’m excited for this initiative that reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal and also contributes to the creation of nutrient-rich compost.”

Peterborough residents currently divert about 53 per cent of waste through programs such as the Blue Box for recyclables, the household hazardous waste collection depot and yard waste collection according to the City. The Green Bin service is anticipated to divert an additional 15 to 20 per cent of garbage.

Delivery of the Green Bins to households will be completed over the next several weeks leading up to the program's launch. There is no additional fee to households to get the Green Bins and a smaller container for use in the kitchen which are included in the implementation of the new service.

The bins are designed to conveniently collect organic waste including food scraps and other compostable materials. They include a pest-proof locking mechanism to keep the organic materials securely contained.

Residents are asked to look inside the Green Bin when it is delivered to find an information kit that includes:

• A guide on Green Bin, recycling, yard waste and garbage services

• A calendar that shows collection schedules

• An information sheet on the Green Bin service, including a list of what can and cannot go in the Green Bin

• An information sheet on the new requirement to use clear bags for curbside garbage collection

• Samples of clear garbage bags and a coupon to assist with transitioning to the requirement to use clear garbage bags and compostable liners for the Green Bin that GLAD Canada provides as part of its sponsorship of the rollout kits.

• “Battery Cube” sponsored by Call2Recyle.   The battery cube is a small cardboard storage unit for used batteries that can be dropped off at collection sites for proper disposal.   The City of Peterborough and Call2Recycle want to ensure hazardous waste products like batteries are diverted from our landfills.  

Residents are advised not to start putting food waste and other organic materials into the Green Bins until Oct. 23 – the week before the weekly Green Bin collection service starts on Oct. 31.

The new Green Bin service is one of several changes to waste services that start the week of Oct.31:

• Weekly Green Bin collection

• Bi-weekly garbage collection (except for the Downtown Business Improvement Area, which maintains its current collection schedule)

• Clear bag requirement for curbside garbage collection for all homes and businesses that receive City waste collection

The Green Bin service is being rolled out to residential properties of six units or less, plus specific selected condominium properties that will be notified that they are part of a pilot project.

Councillor Gary Baldwin, chair of Council’s Waste Management Portfolio, encouraged residents to actively participate in the Green Bin program to support the community’s sustainability goals.

“The success of our organic waste collection program relies on the active engagement of our community members,” he said. “We are confident that our residents will embrace this opportunity to reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more environmentally friendly Peterborough.”

Residents can use the online tool to see their collection day and whether they receive Green Bin service.

About 8,000 households will have their waste collection day changed starting the week of Oct.31 as collection routes are redistributed to evenly spread out the number of stops between collection days which will help improve the reliability of the service and safety for waste collection workers as stated in a press release.

Program details, including collection schedules and guidelines, are available online and in the printed handouts placed in the Green Bins being delivered to households.

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Glad Canada Becomes City Sponsor For New Green Bin Service Rollout

Waste and food protection solutions company Glad is sponsoring the City of Peterborough’s rollout of its Green Bin service.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

“Glad is committed to doing its part to help reduce waste through our partnership with the City of Peterborough on its new Green Bin program that will help divert food waste from landfill, a critical step toward to reducing methane gas,” said Chris Budinszky, Glad marketing director. “One of the biggest barriers to program success is early adoption and resident participation so our hope is that by providing free Glad samples and coupons all residents can participate from day 1.”

The Green Bins are receiving a package that contains the 2023/24 Waste Management Calendar and Guide plus detailed information on the City’s waste collection changes that start the week of Oct. 31:

• New weekly Green Bin collection service

• Every-other-week garbage collection

• Requirement to use clear bags for curbside garbage collection

Recycling collection remains on a weekly schedule.

As a result of the Glad sponsorship of the program rollout, the Green Bin kits will include:

• Samples of biodegradable bags that can be used as a liner in the Green Bin

• Samples of clear garbage bags

A Green Bin liner is not necessary for using the Green Bin; however, some residents may prefer to use a liner to help keep the Green Bin clean. If using a liner, it must a paper or compostable liner certified by BPI (the BPI logo will be on the packaging for the liner) according to a press release.

Other options to reduce moisture in the Green Bin include putting baking soda or shredded paper in the bottom of the container.

Residents can use the tool at peterborough.ca/MyCollectionDay to verify their waste collection day. Waste collection zones will be changing starting the week of Oct. 31 to re-balance the routes as a way to improve the reliability of the service and worker safety according to The City. Roughly 8,000 households will have their collection date shift with the change.

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Last Day For Large Item Collection Is Sept. 25

The City of Peterborough will pick up items larger than the weekly garbage allowance such as furniture and appliances with the final day on Sept. 25.

Large item collection takes place annually from April to September. File Photo.

The cost $30 for the first item and $10 for any additional item. Mattresses and box springs are $30 each and do not count as a first item.

Residents can book their collection online or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1865. The booking deadline is 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before each collection date.

Scheduled collected items should be at the curb by 7 a.m. on the first day of collection. Depending on the number of pickups scheduled each month, collection could take a few days to complete according to the City of Peterborough. Residents are asked to leave the items they have booked for pickup at the curb.

Refrigeration items must have the Freon removed prior to collection.

Automobile parts, televisions and monitors are not accepted in this collection. They can be disposed of at the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd., open Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Building or construction materials can be disposed of at the Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd.

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Kawartha Dental Clinic Hosting Free Dental Day This Saturday

For those in need, Kawartha Dental Clinic is hosting Free Dental Day at their facility this Saturday.

The event is located at their clinic at 250 Reid St. Peterborough and runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no appointment necessary and is available for anyone 18 and over who do not have dental insurance.

“This is dedicated to people in need of dental treatment who can’t afford it,” said Dr. Sina Sanei of Kawartha Dental.

Services include:

• Cleaning

• Extraction

• Fillings

“You have helped us become a leading dental clinic in the area and we would like to give back by helping those in need of dental care,” said Dr. Mason Sokary of Kawartha Dental. 

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Dental Clinic.

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One Roof Community Centre Extending Hours Due to Heat Warning

One Roof Community Centre is extending hours from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. until Wednesday due to a Heat Warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada, announced by The City of Peterborough on Tuesday.

FIle Photo.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting temperatures of between 29 and 34 degrees for the Peterborough area.

Located at 99 Brock Street, One Roof is serving lunch between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter:

• YES Shelter for Youth (705-748-3851), 196 Brock St.

• Brock Mission Men’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 217 Murray St.

• Cameron House Women’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 738 Chemong Rd.

• Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St. (705-748-4766 – ask for Overflow Shelter)

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Several Peterborough Services To Be Closed Or On Modified Operating Hours For Labour Day

Several City facilities will be offering modified service or be closed on Labour Day Monday.

File Photo.

City Hall

City Hall offices, including Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office, will be closed. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

Garbage, recycling and green waste

There will be no change to curbside collection of garbage, recycling and yard waste.

The Household Hazardous Waste Depot and the Peterborough County and City Waste Management Facility (landfill) will be closed on Monday.

The Pido Road Recycling Depot remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Arenas Division

Healthy Planet Arena, Kinsmen Arena and the Peterborough Memorial Centre will be closed for ice rentals on Monday. Peterborough Memorial Centre will host the Peterborough Petes training camp.

The Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Monday.

To stay up-to-date with what's happening at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, please visit www.agp.on.ca or visit their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X).

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives and gift shop are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library will be closed on Monday.

Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca/.

Peterborough Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Holiday service schedule on September 4. Please visit the website www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525 for detailed schedules.

Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will be open on Monday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To contact the Recreation Division or Wellness Centre, please phone 705-742-0050 or email rec@peterborough.ca.

Marina

The Peterborough Marina office will be open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on September 4.

To contact the Marina, please phone 705-742-0050 or email marina@peterborough.ca.

City splash pads

City splash pads will be operational September 4 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Provincial Offences office

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on September 4. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.

Social Services office

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed.

Emergency shelter services remain open: call 705-926-0096 after hours, during weekends and on holidays.

Child care centres

City-operated child care centres will be closed on September 4.

Peterborough Airport

The Airport hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on September 4.

Public Works

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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City of Peterborough Shifting Waste Collection Days For 8,200 Households Starting On Oct. 31

The City of Peterborough is shifting waste collection days for roughly 8,200 households to improve worker safety by balancing collection routes within a growing community beginning on Oct. 31.

File photo.

The City is handing out notices to households and affected businesses that receive municipal curbside collection and could see their weekly waste collection day change on Oct. 31. Delivery of the notices started Thursday and is continuing for the next few weeks.

Residents can view the new Waste Collection Zone map to see if their day has changed.

Over decades of residential development, where some areas of the City have seen significant growth, and other areas have had limited growth, the routes for waste collection days have become unbalanced.

Routes for waste collection have become unbalanced due to varied growth in several parts of the City according to a press release. It is a concern for worker safety as well as the reliability of service delivery.

Oct. 31 the same day when the City introduces the new Green Bin service for household organic waste collection and requires clear bags for curbside garbage collection. Garbage collection will be every other week as a result. Recycling collection remains a weekly service by private contractor Emterra Environmental.

The weekly Green Bin service to collect household organic waste will remove a substantial amount of household waste from the residential garbage stream, up to 20 per cent, including most heavy and stinky bits of household waste as stated by the City.

Green Bins will be delivered beginning in September to eligible residential properties including residential properties with six units or less and specific condominiums selected as part of a pilot for Phase 1 of the Green Bin service rollout.

Residents are encouraged to look inside their Green Bin when it is delivered to find program materials, including:

• The 2023-2024 waste management calendar and guide with collection schedules and important waste management service information;

• A what’s-in-what’s-out list of items that shows what can and what cannot be put into the Green Bin for collection;

• Samples of GLAD Compostable bags/container liners (small size) that can be used in the Kitchen Catcher sized Green Bins. 

• An info sheet on the new requirement to use clear bags for curbside garbage collection along with a free clear garbage bag sample and $2 rebate coupon provided by GLAD; and

• Details on how to recycle batteries with a collection cube provided by Call2Recycle.

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Update on Modular Temporary Housing on Wolfe Street in Peterborough

Construction fencing is being installed at the municipal parking lots at the east end of Wolfe Street starting July 12 in preparation for the placement of modular temporary housing on the site in the fall.

photo by david tuan bui.

The fencing is being installed around the municipal parking lot at Wolfe and Aylmer streets as well as along sections of the south and north sides of the Rehill Parking Lot that is between Dalhousie and Wolfe streets. Gates have been put up to prevent vehicular access to the parking lots.

Temporary washrooms will be installed in the Rehill Parking Lot in the next couple of weeks.

Social Services outreach workers are speaking with individuals at the encampment site who are experiencing homelessness as part of the preparations for the modular temporary housing. Temporary modular housing units will offer a new housing option for individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

Through an enhanced homelessness services plan approved by Council, the City is installing modular temporary housing, will provide a new drop-in centre service, and will convert the Wolfe Street building that is currently used for the Overflow Shelter Bed service into a homelessness services hub with community agencies providing services out of the building.

In addition to speaking with people who are experiencing homelessness, the City is working with the surrounding neighbourhood. A neighbourhood liaison committee is being created with residents, Council representatives, a representative from Peterborough Police Service, and City staff members.

The construction fencing is temporary. Planning for the modular temporary housing will include site design and privacy fencing for both the residents of the modular temporary housing and the residents who live in the surrounding neighbourhood.

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