The City of Fernie has prohibited the use of plastic garbage bags for residential curbside collection.
The public is advised that as a result of continuing wildlife problems in our community, important changes to Waste Regulation will come into effect soon. Last year in Fernie several bears had to be destroyed because of human mismanagement of garbage and fruit trees. It is believed that the new policy will help minimize the needless destruction of bears.
Amendments to the bylaw will require that all residential waste placed curbside for collection be in waste containers that conform to the following criteria:
(a) Maximum volume of 75 Litres (16.5 imperial gallons);
(b) Maximum weight of 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds) when full;
(c) Constructed of rigid plastic or non-corrosive metal;
(d) Water tight cover;
(e) Strong enough to withstand normal handling and lifting;
(f) Opening that permits emptying with minimum effort; and
(g) Handle(s) that enable the container to be lifted and emptied safely by one person.
Placing waste in plastic bags for curbside collection will no longer be permitted. The bylaw provides a grace period up to May 31, 2016 for residents to obtain waste containers that meet the above criteria. In addition residents are reminded garbage should be kept in a secure location and must not be placed curbside until 5:00am the morning of collection.
Bylaw Enforcement will be patrolling neighborhoods and offenders could face fines. Residents with unused “Garbage Bag-Tags” may return them to City Hall after May 31, 2016 for a refund. For more information on waste regulations please contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.
