Proper Placement of Waste & Recycling Bins in Winter - Safer for Everyone
Winter weather can be a challenge for collection of recyclables, green carts and garbage. Materials placed on top of snowbanks can present a safety hazard for collection contractors working in Petawawa, Pembroke and Laurentian Valley and improper set-out can result in damage to containers by snowplows.
Here are the placement requirements for recycling and garbage containers as well as green carts.
- Items must be placed 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) from curb or roadside in driveway, not on snowbank, sidewalk, or multi-use pathway [MUP]. Material placed behind or on top of snowbanks may not be collected.
- Green cart must have 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) clearance around it to allow for proper collection.
- Green cart wheels must be facing away from the road. Lids must be closed.
Additional winter collection tips:
- Clear out a place for your containers when you shovel snow.
- If a storm is occurring in the overnight hours, wait until the morning to place your material curbside.
- To help prevent material from freezing to your green cart:
- Line the bottom of your green cart with crumpled up newspaper or pizza boxes.
- Wrap food waste in newspaper or boxes (e.g. cereal box).
- Strain excess liquid from soups and sauces and only place the solid pieces in the cart.
- Layer wet organics (food waste, leaves) with dry organics (newspaper, pizza boxes).
- Nets to cover bins help prevent wind-blown litter. They are available for purchase at your Municipal office or the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre.