Black Waste Carts FAQ

Automated Residential Waste Cart FAQ

These Frequently Asked Questions relate to the Automated Residential Black Waste Carts. If your question is not answered here, please contact us at town@barrhead.ca or 780-674-3301.
 
Automated collection is a more efficient, cost-effective, safe and responsible method of garbage collection. Automated collection reduces collection times allowing for increased fuel savings. It will also improve employee safety and protect our lane-ways. There will be less litter, odour, and pest problems.
 
There were a number of factors that were weighed when deciding on the pick-up location. The major ones include the size and clearance requirements of the truck, the continued and expensive maintenance of the lanes (they get beat up quite badly due to larger vehicles such as a full garbage truck), the constant litter in the lanes, and that many utilities such as power lines conflicted with the pick up abilities of the truck. 
There were a number of factors that were weighed when deciding on the pick-up location. The major ones include the size and clearance requirements of the truck, the continued and expensive maintenance of the lanes (they get beat up quite badly due to larger vehicles such as a full garbage truck), the constant litter in the lanes, and that many utilities such as power lines conflicted with the pick up abilities of the truck.
There will still be a two man team in the truck for safety reasons, however this collection method is far safer for them and easier on their bodies. As the efficiency increases we have other programs and service enhancements that they are invaluable for. No one will be out of work.
Your 65 gallon cart is comparable to other successful automated municipalities and should easily hold one week of household waste. All garbage must be placed in the cart for pick up. The lid must be fully closed. Carts that are overflowing or garbage that is placed outside of the carts will not be picked up. Should you have a week of excessive waste, anything that cannot be contained in the cart must be taken to the Barrhead Regional Landfill.
 
There are also a number of ways to reduce your waste output. We encourage every resident to make use of the following:
  • Utilize the Recycling Bins at the Town Shop for cardboard, plastics, and metals like cans.
  • Use the Compost Lot for all vegetation like grass clippings.
  • Collect bottles & cans and visit the Barrhead Bottle Depot regularly.
  • Flatten, break down, and compress items if possible to reduce over-all space.
Council is currently discussing options for larger cart options or second cart options. Decisions should be made within the next few months regarding possible size upgrades and associated fees.
The exciting thing about this automated system is that it does open the door for enhanced services like recyclables pick up and organic waste pick up. We definitely want to pace ourselves and implement changes carefully and properly, but the end goal is to hopefully expand our services in the years to come.
For cart maintenance or replacement call 780-674-3301 as some maintenance may be covered under warranty such as a faulty wheel for example. Warranty repairs to not apply if your cart is excessively damaged or lost. Please note that the carts are provided to residents to use at no charge, however if they are lost or destroyed residents will be charged $100 for the lost cart before they are issued a new cart to use.
 
The mass fear of theft is very common with residents across municipalities who have launched this system. The statistical truth is the loss of a cart through theft happens to less than 1% of the carts in an automated inventory. Even then, they are usually located via serial number and returned to the correct address. It is important to keep your cart secure regardless of theses statistics so your cart will not become a part of them.

There are a number of ways to secure your cart when not in use. Here are some Cart Smart security tips:

  • Secure in a building like a garage, shed, or fenced yard.
  • Use the security bar on the cart to chain it to something stationary.
  • Keep your cart out of sight using vegetation or other visual blockers.

Because we have many residents dependent on street parking we will not be limiting front street parking. We have made specific adjustments to the cart placement requirements for this reason. The requirement of 3ft from the curb is to accommodate parked vehicles better as requested by our Public Works team. They verified this particular ‘sweet spot’ while working with the new truck.

Be considerate when parking on collection day. If you see a cart placed out for collection, be sure to leave 1m (3ft) of space between the cart and your vehicle. At this time we are confident we can work together and not implement fines or revisit the Traffic By-law to institute changes.

You will find a notice on your cart or near your front door explaining why it was not safe to empty it. Call the number on the notice for details.
We recognize that there will be occasional property needs that require unique solutions. Your collection staff is happy to work with you. If you require a special consultation regarding your unique situation, call our office at 780-674-3301 and a Town Collection Representative will come to your address and meet with you.