Invermere’s District Council has approved up to $310,000 for animal-resistant curbside organic collection bins.
The District will purchase 1,760 120-litre curbside bins and 1,760 eight-litre kitchen catcher bins to distribute to Invermere residents.
“The regional district has set up an organics program and we have an organics site in Invermere, near our lagoons. To go along with that, we are going to go along with curbside collection,” said Mayor Al Miller.
“We have approved the purchase of these bins and will send the order in. I think they will take four or five months to get here – they’re a European-made bin.”
Miller says the district opted for pricier curbside bins as the District wanted animal-resistant carts.
“The bins have a fairly sturdy build to them with a chunk of steel around the top where the fastening devices are,” said Miller.
“If something comes along and knocks a bin over to try getting into it, the lid will not easily open. They’re fairly impact-proof, but they’re not bear-proof. We would have to spend a lot more money for that option, but they are at least bear-resistant.”
Miller says curbside organic collection will cut down on waste going to the landfill.
“Once everyone is fully up to speed and working diligently with it, garbage pickup will be down to once every two weeks,” said Miller.
“It should work pretty well and this will keep the landfill operational for a few extra years.”
The animal-resistant bins will cost $257.68 per unit, with a further $8.29 per unit for the kitchen catcher bins.
With additional expenses added in for replacement bin components and a public education campaign, implementing the new curbside organics program is expected to cost $483,614.70 plus tax.
Grant funding will cover $222,774, while the remaining $260,840.70 will be paid by the District of Invermere.
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