Cherryville residents have trashed the recycling program and that means changes are coming.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has agreed to scrap the side-load bin at the transfer station with a $7,500 top-load bin with a lid.
Director Hank Cameron says there’s been several complaints from residents, and particularly seniors, about the side-load bin.
“Anyone not particularly tall or able is facing difficulties,” he said.
“The opening is five-foot-six above the ground. You have to put it (recycling) into small holes above your head.”
RDNO staff insist the side-load bins provide several benefits.
“Deposited material is kept dry, which is important when billing is based on the tonnage of material collected,” said Dale Danallanko, recycling and disposal facilities operations manager, in a report.
“Deposited material is far less likely to generate litter under windy conditions. The height of the opening provides reasonable capacity.”
However, Danallanko admits there have been public complaints about the 33-cubic-yard bin since it was installed in July.
“The most common complaints are that the bins are not as convenient as the previous method of collection, the openings are small so customers must put small amounts into the bin at a time,” he said.
“Cardboard boxes must be flattened in order to fit into the opening and the opening to deposit their recycling is too high.”
Transfer station staff have had to assist some Cherryville residents with their recycling.
“Some customers have indicated they will no longer recycle if they have to continue to use this style of bin,” said Danallanko.
The side-load bins are also at the Kingfisher transfer station and the Lumby landfill.
“When the bins are full, it’s really challenging to get cardboard in,” said Lumby director Kevin Acton, adding that he has also received complaints about the bins.
