Town of Gibsons staff say they’re reviewing 104 applications to opt out of the new curbside organics collection program and expect to finish assessing the applications in the next two weeks.
The new system, which also involves reducing garbage collection to once every two weeks, launched on April 2 under a contract with Grayco Ventures.
To qualify to opt out, residents must be able to show they are able to deal with all of their organic waste through activities such as composting.
The Town had estimated about four per cent (80 households) would choose to opt out and the fees are based on that number.
The new collection rates are $135 for solid waste and an additional $70 for organic pickup. Households that qualify to opt out will pay only the solid waste fee. If more than 80 of the 104 applicants are approved, the fees may need to be adjusted.
Elizabeth Quayle, the Town’s communication coordinator, said although they don’t have firm numbers, Grayco estimated that about half of the households put out organics caddies in the first week.
“That number appears to be up significantly this week,” Quayle told Coast Reporter via email. “Most residents were successful in placing only organic material into their caddies. Salish Soils reported that the loads dropped off [April 2 and 3] were visually ‘very clean.’ Apparently, this is quite unusual so early in the program.”
Some contaminants were found, including non-compostable plastic bags, hard plastics, coffee pods, and produce tags and stickers.
Quayle said a detailed analysis of the program’s first two weeks showed 2,220 kilograms diverted in week one and 3,580 kilograms in week two, with less than one per cent contamination.
She also said the Town in making a waste collection app available through its website, www.gibsons.ca, that will include a “Waste Wizard” feature to help people find out what can go into the organics bins.
