County Cancels Electronics Collection, Calls in Help, Amid Waste Collection Delays

The County is calling in backup on the garbage collection front.

Due to continued delays in curbside waste collection, Simcoe County has brought in additional contractors to assist in the collection of recycling. Due to the shift in resources, County Council has voted to cancel this year’s electronics curbside collection; it was to take place between September 16 and the 27 (see alternative measures below).

“This decision was not taken lightly by Council or staff. We pride ourselves in providing a high level of service and innovative and convenient waste collection programs to our residents. Hearing from our residents the importance of garbage, organics and recycling pickups, we have taken the necessary action to prioritize these services. We apologize for the inconvenience and please know that staff and Council are working hard to ensure that our contractor meets our service expectations.”

– Warden George Cornell

These actions are being taken as the County’s contractor, Waste Connections, continues to experience challenges with staffing due to labour shortages, drivers reaching their maximum legally permitted hours to operate, and increased summer waste volumes. These issues are compounded by the heat and humidity, among other factors.

What residents need to know for August and September

• Materials should be set out at your curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day and left until 8 p.m. as routes are being adjusted
• We are prioritizing the collection of garbage and green bin organics in order to reduce odour and animal impacts. Crews may return the next day for collection of garbage and organics if missed on your regular day, so please place these items back at the curb by 7 a.m. the following day
• We expect further recycling collection misses. If recycling is missed, please bring recycling materials in from the curb for double collection on your next regularly scheduled day unless otherwise directed (see point 4 below)
• In some instances, recycling collection crews will be sent out to zones which have been missed on alternate service days including Saturdays as resources allow. Alerts to these alternate service days will be posted through the County’s channels:
  
  1. Simcoe County Collects app (available free of charge at Google Play or the Apple Store)
     
  2. www.simcoe.ca
  3. Through Twitter (@simcoecountycs, @simcoecounty) Facebook (@CountyofSimcoe)

• If missed, residents are encouraged to utilize cardboard boxes, plastic storage boxes, and blue or clear plastic bags for overflow recyclables. As always, to reduce issues with odours and contamination of recyclables, cans, bottles and cartons should be rinsed
• Curbside electronics collection has been cancelled for 2019. As always, electronic materials can be dropped off free of charge at any County waste management facility during regular operating hours. Our new Simcoe County Collects app features information on all our waste management facilities, including their locations and operating hours