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Automated Garbage FAQs
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Why is automated collection better?
Service Improvements and Convenience
- Residents are no longer required to buy cans.
- Due to the design of the carts, residents will find that they have less litter, odour and pest problems.
- There is a cost savings to the City's operations because automated collection is more efficient.
- Carts are convenient, maneuverable, easy to roll and extremely durable.
Reduced Injuries
- Automated collection eliminates manual loading of refuse, thus reducing job-related injuries to the collectors as well as reducing WCB premiums to the City.
Environmental Benefits
- By providing optional cart sizes, participation in recycling is encouraged, thus increasing diversion from landfills, which benefits everyone.
How much will automated collection system cost me?
Carts are the property of the City of Prince George and are included in the annual fees.
Annual costs to residents are as follows: Small (135 litres) is $140 a year which works out to $2.70* a collection. Medium (250 litres) is $184 a year which works out to $3.55* a collection. Large (360 litres) is $224 a year which works out to $4.30* a collection. Residents who choose an additional cart would have to pay an additional annual fee (user pay philosophy).
Will the carts have sufficient capacity for my needs?
A 2004 survey found that residents place 3.18 cans/bags out on each collection day. The City also conducted an analysis of the amount of residential garbage taken to the landfill site by weight. Volume by weight equivalent is estimated to be 2.5 - 3.0 bags/cans. Based on this, the City expects that residential customers will need a medium size cart. The medium size cart is equivalent to three average-size garbage cans, which should be adequate for most families, and is recommended given the survey statistics. Residents whose needs exceed the medium capacity have the option of choosing the large cart, which is equivalent to over four average-sized garbage cans. The small cart holds the equivalent capacity of 1 and ½ average-size garbage cans and is available to residents under special circumstances, such as single occupant households, or people whom recycle and compost regularly. The small cart is not recommended as scheduled holidays will affect the volume (such as Easter and Christmas). Industry experts recommend the medium or the large cart for residents of the City of Prince George.
Only refuse that is inside the cart will be collected. Excess refuse can be disposed of at the Quinn Street and Vanway Transfer Stations or the Foothills Boulevard Landfill. For more information on reduce and reuse options available in the Prince George area consult the Regional District's Waste Reduction Directory [PDF].
What if my cart capacity needs change?
Residents whose cart capacity needs change may obtain information on how to change their cart capacity by calling the City's Service Centre at 561-7600. A $30 exchange fee will apply for all cart exchanges up or down in size.
Exceptions:
For new homeowners, there will be a six month grace period in which the container can be exchanged one time for no fee.
I pay for a registered suite. Do I get two carts? Yes, registered suites will receive an additional cart. The size of cart chosen must meet the resident's needs.
Where do I store my carts? Most residents choose to store 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 average-size garbage containers.
- The medium cart is approximately 103 cm tall (40 inches), 68 cm wide (27 inches), and 71 cm deep (28 inches)
- The small cart is approximately 99 cm tall (39 inches), 51 cm wide (20 inches), and 58 cm deep (23 inches)
- The large cart is approximately 115 cm tall (45 inches), 73 cm wide (29 inches), and 86 cm deep (34 inches)
The average-size garbage can is 56 cm tall (22 inches) and 51 cm (20 inches) in diameter.
Where do I set out my cart for collection? Place the carts to the curbside with wheels against the gutter and the curb or at the edge of the roadway by 8:00 am on the scheduled collection day. Where there are no curbs, place carts 2 metres back from the traveled portion of the road. Ensure there is minimum of 2m (6 feet) between obstacles such as vehicles, trees, phone poles, etc. Prior to implementing the new collection system, the City will provide each property owner with a plan showing suggested pick up locations.
What if vehicles, trees or poles interfere with cart pickup? Residents who experience difficulty with cart placement on collection day should contact the City's Service Centre at 561-7600 for assistance. Proper cart placement is essential for efficiency of the automated collection system.
What happens to the cart if I move? The automated cart is the property of the City of Prince George and is assigned to each residential property through a serial number. The cart remains at the residence once it is sold, the cart does not move with the occupants.
I have just purchased a home, what if the cart's capacity at my new residence is insufficient? If you have just purchased a home, and wish to change your cart for a different size of cart, you should contact the City of Prince George and request the change. There is no fee to change the cart upon the purchase of a residence.
What about parking on collection day?
We ask residents not to park at the curb on collection day, if possible.
Drivers parking vehicles on City streets should be aware of other vehicles operating on the streets, including: garbage collection vehicles, snowplows, fire trucks, ambulance and police.
What kind of refuse can I put in the cart?
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.
| Items that should not be placed in the containers include: |
| Dirt |
Concrete |
Flammable, Toxic or Hazardous Materials |
Paint |
| Sod |
Bricks |
Hot Ashes or Charcoal |
Needles |
| Rocks |
Metal |
Construction Materials |
Solvents |
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the current recycling options available to them to reduce the amount of garbage they need to place at the curb. Options include multi-material recycling through a citywide drop-depot system and yard & garden drop-off. Call 960-4486 for drop-off locations or view the regional district recycle listings page.
What happens if my cart is damaged, lost or stolen? Contact the City's Service Centre at 561-7600. The City will assess the circumstances and make arrangements for you to receive a replacement or repair. 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. A $75 fee will be charged to the property owner.
What provisions will be made for disabled residents?
Set Out/Set Back Service: If you have difficulty moving the cart to your collection point, you may apply for this service. If you qualify, City crews will move your cart to the collection point and return them at the end of the collection day. You can download the set out/set back application form in PDF format. |
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