Waste collection in Chatham-Kent is changing in the new year, and residents need to be aware of the changes.
Beginning Jan. 1 2024, C-K is transitioning to a fully automated system and all residents will be required to use a designated wheeled cart for their garbage.
According to a municipal media release, Waste Connections Canada will distribute free 95-gallon wheeled carts in January and February. In addition, there will be an option to replace the larger size container with smaller volume carts of 65 or 25 gallons, depending on the client’s needs.
Under the system, residents will no longer be able to use plastic bags, boxes or other containers to put out their garbage.
A revamp of the municipality’s bulk item pickup is also taking place, transitioning to a quarterly system. Residents will be required to use the Recycle Coach mobile app or web application to submit a bulk item collection request at least seven days prior to pick-up. Municipal customer service representatives are able to provide assistance by phone if needed.
Another big change taking effect Jan. 1 is that recyclables from non-residential sources will no longer be picked up, including all commercial and industrial sites, as well as institutional properties, such as churches and non-profits. Affected businesses and agencies will be required to arrange for private recycling collection in order to divert materials from the landfill.
As per provincial mandate, the responsibility for recycling is shifting from the municipality to a company called Circular Materials. The government-sanctioned not-for-profit will maintain the current waste pickup program for the duration of 2024 and 2025. That includes collection zones, schedules and the materials that are acceptable.
Residents with questions are advised to visit www.circularmaterials.ca/chatham-kent online.
In order to provide assistance with disposing waste, Chatham-Kent is extending the hours of operation at its Dover, Harwich and Wallaceburg drop-off depots. The hours of operation of the stand-alone leaf and yard depots in Romney and Chatham are changing to provide more consistency. To find out more, refer to the Chatham-Kent Leaf and Yard Depot website.
