Garbage and organics collection issues persist in Vernon

Less than two weeks in, Vernon’s new waste collection program hasn’t been perfected quite yet.

The City of Vernon has been responding to complaints about the program that launched May 2, introducing weekly curbside organics collection, a switch to bi-weekly garbage collection and, for many residents, a new collection schedule.

On Thursday the city shared a video on Facebook offering a look at the new automated collection trucks, which have two internal bins to allow garbage and organics to be collected at the same time while keeping the materials separate.

For the system to work as seen in the video, bins must be spaced out at least one metre from other bins or any other objects. Otherwise crews have to exit the trucks to reposition the bins, leading to collection delays, the city said May 5 amid delays in some neighbourhoods.

“Every new program is going to experience growing pains and we have had some hiccups this first week,” said Ian Adkins, manager of roads, drainage and airport.

Throughout the roll-out, a number of residents posting on social media expressed confusion about their changed pickup schedules, or said their bins haven’t been collected on time.

“It’s been a show lately, seeing all the garbage cans, recycling and compost out almost every day cause everyone is so confused! Put it this way my garbage stinks!” wrote Jessica Grande.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the city acknowledged there have been collection delays for some residences this week, saying truck drivers are still learning their new routes.

“If your waste is not collected on its scheduled day, please put your cart(s) at the curb again the next morning to be picked up,” the city said.

The program hiccups come at a time of year when bears are out and about. The Conservation Officer Service routinely tells residents not to leave bins of garbage out overnight to minimize the chance of attracting bears, which can become habituated to eating garbage.

For more information about the new collection service, visit vernon.ca/organics. Further questions can be directed to Emterra’s customer care team at 1-888-609-2645 or by email at customercare.vernon@emterra.ca.