KAWARTHA LAKES-The City of Kawartha Lakes is embarking on a pilot project that would allow residents to get rid of unlimited amounts of certian types of watse for free, twice a year.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Council adopted a resolution that for 2 weeks around the May long weekend and 2 weeks around the Thanksgiving long weekend in 2018, residents are permitted to drop off unlimited residential household waste and leaf and yard waste at landfill sites during regular operating hours. “I hope that this enhancement to residential waste service will not only encourage those who have been dumping garbage to put it where it belongs, but also give a break to those who diligently clean up their cottages and homes twice a year, ” explained Mayor Letham.
During the pilot, clear bags are required as are all other regulations, with the exception that during these 4 weeks in total, there will be no charge or quantity limit for residential waste drop off. The City will continue to charge for black bags and/or mixed waste that is dropped off.
The City will assess the cost of the project before deciding whether to make it a permanent measure. “As with every enhancement to service levels, there is a cost. We will assess lost revenues from landfill fees for those 4 weeks while balancing public demand for the service going forward,” said Mayor Letham.
The 2018 Waste and Recycling Calendar will include the dates of the pilot project, the City website and MyWaste app will be updated accordingly and additional public communication about the pilot will be rolled out next year.
 photo credit: cementley garbage pile via photopin (license)
