Hamilton wants residents to remove lids on waste containers before curbside pickup

Hamilton residents will have to remove the lids from their waste containers before they place them curbside to be collected or face a $200 fine, under updated waste guidelines proposed by staff.

Angela Storey, director of waste management, said waste collection employees have had operational challenges" when they attempt to pry lids or open latches on garbage containers before dumping the contents into vehicles.

It's one thing less for collection staff," said Storey.

But even though the proposed bylaw changes state that lids on waste containers are required to be removed, Storey said lids that are readily removable" can still be on waste containers for pickup.

The preference is (lids) should be off," she told members of the public works committee.

The changes to the solid waste bylaw were approved by the Oct. 18 public works committee and will be presented to councillors at their Oct. 26 meeting.

Mountain Coun. Esther Pauls was surprised at the recommendations.

It was shocking to see," said Pauls. There will be garbage all over the place."

She said residents have experienced their waste not being picked up because of problems with their waste containers. Pauls said she has told waste staff to pick up the garbage, but also to place an information sticker to remind residents about the guidelines.

People are upset," said Pauls. It's unbelievable they keep changing the rules it seems like every day."

Storey recommended residents fill their waste containers just below the top to prevent garbage from flying around.

Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson said he had trouble" with eliminating lids from containers.

Every time we change (waste collection guidelines) it's like a nuclear explosion (for residents). It can't be that difficult to knock a lid off," he said.

Stoney Creek Coun. Maria Pearson said when it's raining residents usually put a lid on the container. She said on windy day, lids are usually going down the street."

Waste management staff also recommended the maximum sizes of waste containers of 91 centimetres, with a diameter of 61 centimetres can only be used. The containers are available at local retail outlets.

Storey said there are a handful" of containers that are extremely difficult" for waste collections staff have to lift and empty into vehicles.

They are really big," she said.

Storey said waste staff, as well as bylaw officers will educate residents first before issuing any tickets. Under the proposed solid waste bylaw, which has not been updated since 2005, all fines, including keeping a lid on a waste container, failing to remove rubber bands, plastic wrap, stickers, or labels from organics, and even putting out a Christmas tree that exceeds the size limit are $200. Exceeding a container's weight, failing to secure broken glass, and providing an unsafe container, the fine is $300.