OLDS — Starting April 1, the Town of Olds is discontinuing its community grass bin service, instead planning to to increase and improve residential green bin services to get more bang for the buck.
The announcement was made in a news release issued March 18.
“A decision was made to shift current costs to increasing and improving residential green bin services so residents would see a more direct benefit from dollars spent,” the news release said.
“Residential green bins offer a robust, effective, and convenient way for households to manage compost and yard waste.
“The community grass bins had been increasingly used by individuals and businesses not contributing financially to their maintenance, impacting the financial sustainability of the bins and placing an unfair cost on residents and a burden on town staff who deal with improper usage/dumping.”
The town said green waste collected in the community is used for agricultural purposes, so it must be protected from contamination.
"By reallocating resources to our residential green bin service, we're optimizing our waste management operations and providing direct benefits to our residents,” infrastructure services director Adrian Pedro said in the news release.
“Increased pickup frequency means less worry about yard waste and more focus on enjoying our community."
The news release said this change also aligns with the town’s environmental conservation efforts, “especially considering potential water restrictions and the need for sustainable yard waste management.”
“The town is committed to providing resources and information to help residents maintain healthier landscapes with less water usage,” the release said.
"As we navigate these changes together, we are setting the stage for a more sustainable and vibrant Olds,” Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl said in the news release.
“I'm confident that by working collaboratively, transparently and embracing these enhancements, our town will remain a wonderful place to live, both now and in the future.”
For frequently asked questions and more information on the schedule of increased residential waste pickups, visit www.olds.ca/wastecollection.
