Waste collection : new standards
On September 1, 2019, two important new standards for waste collection came into effect. It is therefore important to read the information below.
1. Compliant bin
All residents must use a green, black or grey wheeled bin with a European plug for waste collection. The bin must have a maximum capacity of 360 litres and maximum weight of 100 kg when filled.
Below is an example of a compliant bin along with examples of containers that may not be used for household waste collection.
Residents who already have a black or grey bin, in good condition, that meets these specifications may use it for waste collection. Blue and brown bins cannot be accepted for garbage collection as they are reserved for collecting materials for recycling and composting.
2. Allowed waste volume per unit
To reduce the amount of landfill-bound waste, a limit of one bin per collection is set for spring and summer and two bins for autumn and winter. Any additional bin or item left at the curb cannot be collected.
Example of compliant bin
How to purchase a compliant bin?
To purchase a compliant garbage bin, you can buy one directly at the reception of Town Hall and it will be delivered to your home. It is also possible to purchase one in a business that offers this type of bin. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your bin meets the above specifications.
Containers unsuitable for garbage collection
- Blue or brown bins
- Bins that do not comply with the standards listed above
- Boxes and bags placed at the curb
- Any item exceeding the limit allowed per collection
The Municipality of Chelsea is following in the footsteps of several other municipalities in Quebec to meet the government’s requirements for the reduction of residual materials by 2020, which target three specific objectives:
- Stop the waste of resources
- Help achieve the objectives of the Climate Change Action Plan
- Empower all stakeholders involved in the management of residual materials
These new standards are a way of encouraging residents to reduce the amount of waste produced per unit and, as a result, help to reduce landfills, which are already at full capacity. The 2020 plan includes a complete ban of organic and recyclable materials from garbage bins to minimize the amount of final waste going to landfills. Improving our performance at this level will also save money as we avoid the financial penalties set by the government for failure to achieve objectives and help the Municipality pay less in landfilling fees.
It will also facilitate the contractor’s ability to refuse items that exceed the allowed limits. Residents will also be able to measure the amount of waste they produce and take the necessary actions to reduce their environmental footprint.
Use of the appropriate bins also facilitates the garbage-collection process for waste-management contractors in addition to opening the door to possible mechanized collection. In addition, it ensures greater cleanliness throughout the region since these robust containers are less likely to spew waste.
As of September 1, 2019, items placed in non-compliant bins will not be collected. It is therefore important that you comply by this date to avoid any inconvenience.
The approved number of bins per collection is one in spring and summer and two in autumn and winter.
We strongly advise you to keep it! You can mark it with a “G” and use it to collect green waste or excess compost. There is no quantity restriction for the collection of compost.
What is a final household waste?
Final waste is residue that cannot be recycled, reused, or composted and is therefore destined for the landfill. This is waste that ends up in the green bin, for example:
- Chewing gum
- Cigarette butts and ashes
- Disposable sweeping cloths (e.g. Swiffer® pads)
- Fabric softener sheets (e.g. Bounce®)
- Flexible plastic tubes (tooth paste, sunscreen, etc.)
- Incandescent bulbs
- Litter and animal excrement
- Number 6 (♸) plastic items and containers that are not identified by the Mobius loop
- Metallic packaging (chip bags, granola bar packaging)
- Personal hygiene products
- Plastic straws
- Styrofoam
- Vacuum bags and their contents
- Waxed food paper
How to dispose of household waste
Through regular municipal collection. Maximum of one 360 litres wheeled bin per collection during the spring/summer months and two 360 litres wheeled bins per collection during the fall/winter months.
For information
Public Works Department
