In one more week, Mission residents are going to have to start getting more creative with their waste.
The district’s new policy of bi-weekly garbage pickup starts in April and all of those people who have been half-heartedly separating their recyclables and compostables are going to have to become more vigilant.
If not, those bags of trash are going to start piling up.
Weekly pickup will continue for recycling and food waste, but your garbage is going to hang around for an extra week.
Public reaction has been mixed at best. While some agree that the new system will promote more diversion, others feel it is just an excuse for people to illegally dump their trash on the side of the road.
Hopefully, the public will see it for what it is – an attempt by the district to get to the 65 per cent diversion rate mandated by the Fraser Valley Regional District.
Let’s face facts. Landfills aren’t getting emptier and everyone is going to have to start doing their part to divert as much waste away from them as possible.
However, if the district thinks this will solve their waste issues, they are mistaken. It’s a good step, but like any change, education is going to be needed to help alter people’s routine.
Suggestions on how to make recycling easier, what can be recycled and how to keep your stored garbage safe from animals will also help. Much like the rot pot campaign for food waste, it will take time to achieve change.
But for now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves, dive into our garbage and take a closer look.