Automated recycling cart collection
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
City Council approved the Recycling Collection Tender - Permission to Explore the Cost of Cart Collection 
report on October 28, 2009. The information on this page is an overview of an automated recycling cart collection program.
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Introduction
- What areas of the city would use these carts?
- Do other Canadian cities have automated recycling cart collection?
- Why are recycling carts being considered now?
- Why consider switching from blue boxes to automated recycling cart collection?
- How would the company who gets the contract be decided?
About the carts
- How big are the carts compared to the standard size blue box?
- Who would own the cart?
- Where would I store my cart?
- Who would be responsible for the maintenance of the carts?
Carts on collection day
- Where would I place my cart on collection day?
- Would the driver get out of the vehicle to service the bin?
- What would I do if I have too many recyclables to fit in my cart?
- If I don't have enough room in the cart, could I place materials beside the cart?
- Could I fill my cart up so much that the lid doesn't close properly?
- What kind of recyclables could I put in the cart?
- Could I leave my cart out at the street after collection?
- Would I have to place my cart out every collection day?
- Wouldn't it be difficult to maneuver the cart in winter?
- Would the City repair or replace the cart if it is damaged during collection?
- What would you do for residents that can't get their cart to the curb or lane?
Cart security
Introduction
What areas of the city would use these carts?
The contract would include all single-family dwellings (about 185,000) in the city currently on blue box collection.
Do other Canadian cities have automated recycling cart collection?
Yes, many other cities currently use carts:
Why are recycling carts being considered now?
The current seven-year blue box recycling contract expires September 15, 2010. As recycling and garbage contracts expire, we evaluate the best way to provide the service.
Why consider switching from blue boxes to automated recycling cart collection?
The industry trend is moving towards automated collection for the following reasons:
- Less litter because the carts have lids.
- Cost savings in the long term because automated collection is more efficient.
- Carts are convenient, easy to roll, and extremely durable.
- Since the carts are larger, there is an opportunity to recycle more materials.
How would the company who gets the contract be decided?
The process for requesting bids is an open process that any company can bid on.
About the carts
How big are the carts compared to the standard size blue box?
The 240 litre cart holds the contents of 3 to 4 blue boxes and the 360 litre cart holds the contents of 5 to 6 blue boxes.
Who would own the cart?
The cart would belong to the property address and the current property owner would be responsible for the cart. If you move, you must leave the cart for the next resident to use.
Where would I store my cart?
You could store your cart where you currently store your blue boxes or garbage container (e.g., carport, garage, at the side of your house). The base size of the cart is similar to that of an average-size garbage container.
Who would be responsible for the maintenance of the carts?
The carts would be just like your blue boxes. As property owners, you would be responsible for:
- routine maintenance (e.g., keeping the carts clean and in good repair, removing them from the street or lane after collection, storing them in a safe place)
- replacing the cart if it is stolen or damaged
Carts on collection day
Where would I place my cart on collection day?
Attached to each cart would be an information package, including instructions on where and how to place the cart.
Would the driver get out of the vehicle to service the bin?
No. The driver activates the process from inside the vehicle.
What would I do if I have too many recyclables to fit in my cart?
You would save any materials that don't fit in your cart until the next collection day or take the material to a recycling depot.
If I don't have enough room in the cart, could I place materials beside the cart?
No. Only materials inside the cart would be collected.
Could I fill my cart up so much that the lid doesn't close properly?
No. The lid needs to be closed for collection.
What kind of recyclables could I put in the cart?
You could place all the items we accept in our recycling program inside the cart.
Could I leave my cart out at the street after collection?
No. You should return your cart to the place on your property where you normally store your blue boxes or garbage container.
Would I have to place my cart out every collection day?
No. You could place your cart out on any of your collection days.
Wouldn't it be difficult to maneuver the cart in winter?
No. The carts have large wheels that make them easy to roll, even over curbs, gravel and snow.
Would the City repair or replace the cart if it is damaged during collection?
Yes.
What would you do for residents that can't get their cart to the curb or lane?
Residents with health limitations that prevent them from getting their cart to the curb or lane could apply for our walk-up service.
Cart security
What if my cart gets mixed up with a neighbor's cart?
Each cart would have a serial number and a radio frequency identification tag (RFID). RFID is a system that transmits the location of the cart using radio waves.
If my cart goes missing, what would I do?
- We would do our best to try to find it using the radio frequency identification tag and the serial number.
- If we can’t find your cart, we would deliver a new cart to you. There would be a charge for the new cart.
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This page was last updated on November 6, 2009 |
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