With the Town of Olds looking to start its own blue bin program on a pilot basis, Didsbury's solo program is taking another step towards fruition following a council meeting on Dec. 20.
The program, which Didsbury council approved in principle for introduction in January 2013, has received several positive and encouraging comments to move forward from residents, according to several councillors at the meeting.
“A lot of residents want this to take place,” said Coun. Lavar Adams at the meeting.
Council voted to address the Mountain View Regional Waste Commission about the town's intention to move forward with the blue bin program for 2013, and will be awaiting a response as to whether or not they are eligible to move forward.
Originally, Didsbury, Olds and Carstairs were interested in starting a joint blue bin program. However, Olds officials have indicated they would like to try the blue bin program on a trial basis, while Carstairs would like to try the program on a voluntary participation basis.
Without the commitment to the program a challenge was presented to the joint agreement that councillors did not want to entertain.
“It's a lot of money spent for a trial,” said Adams. “It's cost prohibited if they're not in. We've been talking about this for a year. Either make the commitment or just say no and shut it down.”
As for the voluntary resident participation program Carstairs has suggested, Mayor Brian Wittal said he “doesn't see that working either.”
So Didsbury will be attempting to go into the program alone, supporting the program and giving the waste commission the decision to determine if it will or will not be coming to the town in 2013.
The new blue bins will cost the town $8.50 per bin. However, the waste commission will be looking after the bins in terms of delivery and collection.
