Flat fee garbage collection a disincentive to cut waste
CVRD’s Solid Waste Management draft document states on page 21 that the plan is to “Adopt universal curbside collection services across the region.” We are strongly against the proposal that CVRD take over garbage/organics collection in Areas A, B and C. In fact, the opportunity for ticket purchase should be expanded throughout CVRD.
Paying a flat annual fee is a disincentive for households to reduce their garbage. To its credit, CVRD promoted the use of composters a few years ago by offering them for sale at a reduced price. We bought one and it has helped reduce our garbage significantly. We urge CVRD to reinstate the sale of composters again.
We have reduced our garbage collection to twice a year, using one large yellow bag each time. The last batch of six tickets from P.A.N. Disposal cost $22, so our yearly total for garbage collection is only $7.33.
If CVRD embarks on a new collection system for a flat fee, there is no incentive to reduce household garbage. When we put a ticket on each bag to be collected, we know exactly what it costs. We do not want to subsidize those who don’t care how much garbage they produce. We would fight hard to be exempted from the new program, and continue our collection by the private business which now serves us so well.
Martha Fraser and Manuel Erickson
Mill Bay