2022 NEWSMAKERS: garbage bins come to Grey Highlands

The year 2022 brought new garbage bins and an automated collection system to Grey Highlands, which proved to be a hot topic for the municipality.

In July, Grey Highlands council made the initial decision to switch to a new automated bin/cart system for garbage and recycling collection. 

The bins represented a significant change in a municipal service and was controversial with the public. Significant public opposition was expressed at public meetings in Feversham and Markdale.

Ultimately, council decided to move forward with the bin system with Waste Management Canada Inc.

Although the bins were the cheaper option, the new system still presents a significant cost increase for Grey Highlands with proposed 2023 budget documents showing the waste contract has added more than $240,000 to the operating budget.

Delivery of the bins began in December. The new bin collection system starts in Jan. 2. Grey Highlands asked that any residents who have not received their bins by Dec. 22 to please contact Environmental Services at [email protected] or call 519-986-2811 x. 246.

At its final meeting of the year on Dec. 21, council formally adopts the new waste collection and mandatory recycling and diversion bylaw.

Below is a timeline for how the decision was made.

July 27, 2022 - council, in committee of the whole, approves new bin system

The new bin/cart system for garbage and recycling collection arrives at the council table. An RFP (Request for Proposal) for the municipality’s waste collection contract results in two bids. The bid from Canada Waste Management is $600,000 more per year than the current system. A second bid that would carry on with the current system of collection is $850,000 more than the present price. Council hears from staff that extending the contract with the present contractor is not possible, as they plan to exit the business once the contract expires.

Members of council express some concerns about the bins/carts and ask plenty of questions, but ultimately approve the new system in principle.

Shawn Moyer, director of environmental services, says the municipality will be doing extensive communications with the public on the switch to the new system.

“We’ll get it out there and let residents know this is happening,” he said.

August 3, 2022 - council delays final decision, will hold public meetings on the change

After plenty of debate and discussion, council votes 4-2 in favour of delaying the final decision to switch to the bins in order to hold two public meetings about the potential switch.

Meetings are scheduled to be held in Markdale and Feversham.

At the meeting, Coun. Paul Allen expressed his disappointment about the process.

“We received the report last week. I’m disappointed we’re expected to make a decision seven days later without any public input,” said Allen. “Residents shouldn’t suffer without any input. I don’t like being rushed.”

August 17, 2022 - public meetings held on the new system

Grey Highlands holds the first of two public meetings about the new system is held in Feversham.

At the meeting, a frustrated and skeptical audience expresses its concerns and doubts about the new system. The impact on residents with long laneways is a key concern expressed.

While several residents suggest a number of alternate ideas including:

• Bringing garbage collection in-house to be done by municipal staff.
• Extending the contract with the current contractor to give more time to look at options.
• Forgetting about the bin system altogether and going with the more expensive second bid that would continue with the traditional form of service.

At the meeting, Moyer says the final decision rests with council.

“Staff has done its recommendation and now it’s up to council to listen to all of its 10,000 residents and make a final decision,” he said.

August 19, 2022 - council gives final approval to the new bin system

In a tight 4-3 recorded vote, council approves the new bin/cart collection system for the municipality.

The vote comes after a lengthy and, at times, tense debate about the system. Mayor Paul McQueen and councillors Paul Allen and Tom Allwood vote against the system.

As part of the approval, council also approves switching garbage collection to a bi-weekly schedule to save $147,500 on the cost of the contract. In addition, garbage will be collected with 64-gallon bins, rather than the recommended 95-gallon bins.

Coun. Dane Nielsen says the old method of throwing garbage bags into the truck is going to become obsolete and moving to the bins/carts now is the responsible decision.

“The financial implication of the decision we’re making today is significant,” said Nielsen. “Waste management is a controversial topic in any municipality. I understand change is difficult. To make the decision now is financially responsible.”

Allen argues that the new system is a “step backwards” for the municipality.

“I’m not just looking at the budget numbers. I’m looking at services to our residents,” said Allen.

Dec. 7, 2022 - council approves new waste bylaw

Council spends a considerable amount of time fine-tuning the draft waste collection and mandatory recycling bylaw. A number of changes and amendments are made throughout the discussion. Full details can be found here.

The bylaw is formally adopted by council at its meeting on Dec. 21.