The Town of Gibsons will try out a coupon system to replace its annual curbside spring cleanup and swap event, council agreed Tuesday.
Under the new system, residents will receive a coupon to drop off one free half-ton pickup load (with a maximum weight of 450 kg) at Gibsons Recycling Depot between June 1 and Aug. 31.
A one-year transitional phase for residents who cannot transport their unwanted items will enable them to arrange a single curbside pickup with Gibsons Recycling on Saturdays during the three-month period at a cost of $20 for a half-ton load.
While popular, Gibsons' annual cleanup event was reviewed "due to escalating costs, safety concerns, illegal dumping and visual aesthetics," public works director Greg Foss said in his report to council's committee of the whole on April 9.
The coupon system, which was adopted several years ago by the District of Sechelt and Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), "could dramatically decrease the overall costs, freeing up more time for the crew to work on maintenance and emergency issues," Foss wrote.
Based on the contractor's estimate and the results of the SCRD's coupon event last year with the same contractor, "a reduction of $3,000 is a realistic target in savings for 2013," he added.
Residents will still be able to pick up other people's discarded items under the new system, but the goods will be stored in a dry location at the Gibsons depot, "greatly enhancing" the re-use component, Foss wrote.
Attending the April 9 meeting, Buddy Boyd of Gibsons Recycling said items for re-use will be sorted and sequestered at the depot, then rotated after about one week. A nominal price will be charged.
"We're talking 50 cents, 25 cents," he said.
The committee agreed to try out the new system this year and have staff report back in the fall on the outcome, including the public's response.
Foss said a comprehensive letter outlining the new system will be sent out with each coupon in May. Renters who do not receive the coupon from property owners can obtain one by showing proof of residency, such as a utility bill, at the Town office.
The Town launched the spring cleanup event in 2002, funding it through taxation at a cost of just over $15,000 last year. A total of 13,920 kg was collected last year, down from about 23,000 kg collected during each of the two previous years.
