Garbage Collection

No. The semi-automated lifting arm on the collection truck does not have the ability to collect garbage cans. Suggested uses for the old cans include:
• Storage for recyclable materials (i.e. glass containers and plastic milk jugs) or yard waste
• The city is investigating other options for use of old garbage containers, such as recycling metal and plastic containers, or use in city facilities

Residential Collection Fee Rates
As of July 1, 2006 all garbage containers must comply with our new standards. The City will apply the Collection Fee (and any applicable lease options) on your Utility Bill. Annual costs to residents are outlined in the following table.

If you already own a wheeled garbage cart you will be able to continue using it, provided it meets the City's specifications for collection by our existing garbage trucks. You will be charged the base rate according to the size of the cart, but will not be charged the annual lease cost. Once your cart needs replacing you may then lease a cart from the City. Annual rates are provided in the following table:

The City has reviewed our garbage collection data and that of other municipalities and found that customers place an average of two to three bags at the curb on collection day. Therefore, the 245 L cart should have sufficient capacity for most customers, as it is equivalent to 3.2 bags of garbage. However, customers that regularly recycle paper products, milk jugs, and yard waste may find that the 175 L cart provides sufficient weekly capacity.

The smallest 120 L cart is for those customers that do not generate much garbage. These carts, which hold the equivalent of 1.5 bags of garbage, are more suited to single occupants, seniors, and customers who recycle and compost all recyclable paper products, milk jugs, and yard waste.

Prince George and Vancouver also have a containerization program for the collection of residential garbage. Those cities have found that the needs of most residents are met with a 245 L container.

Only garbage that is inside the container with the lid completely closed will be collected. Extra garbage stickers can be purchased (at a cost of $2 per sticker) and placed on extra garbage bags, which can be placed on the ground beside the wheeled cart. Alternatively, garbage can be disposed of at the Mission Flats or Barnhartvale Landfills.

Based on the results of the Residential Curbside Recycling Pilot Program, a mandatory Curbside Recycling Program will start in 2008. The pilot program has proven that our curb-side customers can reduce the volume of garbage they place at the curb by 25 to 50% each week. See the Solid Waste - Recycling section.

The City strongly encourages residents to take green waste to the McGill Road and Barnhartvale drop-off depots or to the Cinnamon Ridge compost facility.

Residents whose garbage container capacity needs change may phone Public Works and Utilities at 250-828-3461 and request a new container. The first change-out to a different container size will be completed at no extra charge up until August 1, 2008. After August 1, 2008 any additional change-outs will be charged a $50 administration fee.

When you are moving please leave your cart at the property you are selling. Each cart is engraved with an identification number which is recorded with your address so the carts must not move with you to the new address. If you are moving to a new house in Kamloops, please contact the Hotline number and staff will arrange to have a cart (size of your choice) delivered to your new address.

Most residents choose to store their carts in a convenient location such as their carport, garage, or at the side of their house. The footprint (dimensions at the base of the cart) is not appreciably larger than an average-sized garbage container.

No, the cart must be stored on private property. Many lane customers currently have garbage boxes on the lane side of their fences to store their garbage until collection day.

These boxes may or may not be compatible with wheeled carts since wheeled carts are not designed to be lifted in and out of an enclosed space. Nonetheless, it will be the responsibility of each lane customer to ensure that the wheeled carts are freely accessible from the lane for proper collection and to ensure that the wheeled carts are removed from the lane after collection and safely stored on the customer's property.

If you have any questions or would like further information please phone (250) 828-3374.

The garbage carts should be placed on the curbside with the wheels against the gutter, the curb, or at the edge of the roadway by 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Lane customers, please refer to the question above.

When using the cart, please follow these simple placement techniques to help make it easier for our collectors:

On your designated garbage collection day, place your cart curbside to allow for easy pickup.

Place your cart on the street with the wheels against the curb, or just off the roadway, or to the side of the lane.

Point the opening of the can towards the center of the road with the handle pointing back towards your property.

Please leave at least 1 m (3 ft.) between your cart and any obstacles or other carts and at least 30 cm (1 ft.) behind your cart and any fences or structures.

Once collection has occurred, wheel your cart back to your regular storage area.

With some of the trucks, the driver does not exit the vehicle; therefore, proper placement of the carts is essential.

All regular household garbage may be placed inside the carts. Anything that is placed inside the cart must be able to fall freely when dumped. Clean cardboard and newsprint is now prohibited in your garbage container, but rather should be placed in your recycling container. Grass clippings are also prohibited from either your garbage or recycling container. Other items that should not be placed in the containers include:

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the current recycling options available to them to reduce the amount of garage they need to place at the curb. For more information on recycling options in the City, please phone (250) 828-3374.

Contact the City at the Hotline number. The City will assess the situation and make arrangements for you to receive a replacement or repair the cart. Residents are responsible for routine maintenance, including keeping the carts clean, removing the carts from the street after collection, and storing the carts in a safe place. Any carts that are stolen or damaged through neglect or misuse will be replaced at the property owners' expense.

If you have difficulty moving the cart to your collection point, you may apply for City assistance. If you medically qualify, City crews will move your cart to the collection point and return it at the end of collection day. Application forms are available by calling the Hotline number.

The city is currently investigating options to provide higher levels of service for customers for specified fees. For example, some senior may wish to have the same assistance as noted above for medically challenged customers.