The goal of any new plans to manage Okotoks’ garbage should be to reduce the amount of waste ending up in the Foothills Regional Landfill, not taking money from taxpayers’ pockets.
Town council decided to use a smaller size of bins for its new automated garbage collection system next year and it was the right move.
However, the Town faces a delicate balance when it sets a price for homeowners who can’t fit all their garbage in the new 120 litre size bins.
The new bins will mean a reduction in the amount of garbage people can haul to the curb compared to the existing two unit limit, which amounts to a maximum of 200 litres a week.
Currently, Okotokians pay $9.09 every month for garbage pick-up and they will pay the same rate despite being allowed less garbage with the new system.
Anyone who can’t fit all their garbage into the new bin will have the option of getting a second cart.
The Town will have to set a price for a second cart during budget discussions and this is where the debate could get heated.
One suggestion has been to charge $9.09 for the second bin while some councillors are lobbying for a second bin to be cheaper.
However, if it’s cheaper to have a second garbage cart than to use the Town’s curbside recycling program (which also costs $9 per month), it could discourage people from using recycling programs.
The Town should look at a tiered system rewarding people who throw out less garbage with lower rates. However, it’s too much to ask people to pay double for something they are already receiving.
