Purpose of Program:

The purpose of the Clear Bag Program for regular garbage is to maximize the current recycling and composting systems and reduce the overall cost of the municipal solid waste program. As the December 31, 2005 deadline for the implementation of second generation landfills nears, the costs associated with the disposal of regular garbage will increase. In order to maximize recycling and composting and minimize disposal fee, ultimately increasing total diversion, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish implemented the mandatory use of clear bags on November 1st, 2005.

Program Details:

The program will continue under the same guidelines as the 2-bag recycling system that is currently in place (Bag 1 -- Paper Products; Bag 2 -- All Other Recyclables). The implementation of the clear bag for regular garbage will allow the hauler to easily see what residents have placed in the bag, allowing them to further inform residence and enforce the banned material. Haulers will leave notices indicating which items are not being sorted properly. After November 1st, 2005, residents who continue to use solid color bags will have their garbage rejected.

The program will target materials that are provincially banned from the landfill, and other items accepted by the Colchester Material Recycling Facility and deemed as recyclable or compostable by the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.

Privacy Issues:

Garbage collected in clear bags will allow for one solid color bag no larger than 20" by 22" (i.e. kitchen catcher size bag), that may contain bathroom waste and health related items that residents do not wish to be visible. The solid bag is for privacy and will not be opened unless it is suspected of containing banned material. All other items must be visible within the bag.

For More Information:

For further information on the clear bag program, recycling, backyard composting or organics collection, please contact us at (902) 863-1117.

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