Plastic bags and dog feces part of green bin discussions

The meeting, held at the Shenkman Arts Centre’s Black Box Theatre by Orléans Coun. Bob Monette, started with an overview of the program by city staff and representatives from Orgaworld. “For the most part it’s fairly easy for people to participate,” said Marilyn Journeaux, manager of the city’s solid waste operations.

She said the city is currently in an education phase and is encouraging residents to try the bin and see how easy it is to use.

Despite the how and why of the program, many residents in attendance expressed concerns, some indicating they have decided not to participate in the program.

Doug Drouillard said he already has a black box in his backyard to compost waste and is “very much opposed” to the green bin, explaining he doesn’t see value in having yet another bin. He called it a duplication.

Although not a supporter, Drouillard indicated his family is using the program anyway and has already encountered some problems. Aside from there simply being too many bins around the house, he said the green bin is extremely sticky. Noting that it’s winter now, he wondered how bad it will get in the summer heat and asked why the city can’t allow biodegradable plastic like Toronto.

Journeaux explained there’s an incremental processing cost associated with the use of the plastic, noting council voted to go with a paper-only program to reduce costs. She indicated there are lots of alternatives to plastics, whether it is paper bags from stores or newspapers. Journeaux added the city could look at allowing biodegradable plastic in the future if it increases participation rates.

Another resident, identified as Bruce, questioned why the program accepts cat litter but not dog feces, later adding he is not a participant in the program.

Orgaworld’s provincial certificate of approval doesn’t allow it to collect pet waste but it does allow kitty litter, Journeaux said, noting that’s an issue between Orgaworld and the province.

Representatives from Orgaworld, meanwhile, indicated they’re in the process of trying to change the terms.