The Today Media Group
February 9, 2016
Attention:
- David Blain, Director of Engineering, City of Chilliwack Engineering Department
- Colin Wright, GM-Engineering, Township of Langley
- Jim Gordon, General Manager Engineering and Regional Utilities, City of
Abbotsford
Gentlemen,
We would appreciate your help in conducting our report on garbage collection in the Fraser
Valley. We are doing a comparative listing of services and fees in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and
the Township of Langley and an introduction to the whole challenge of garbage collection
and recycling services.
We’ve put together a list of 8 questions (attached) and we can either phone you to discuss
them or, if you prefer, you can simply answer them and add any comments or questions you
have in your reply.
The questions simply relate to the services delivered and the way quality of service is
ensured.
Any news, photos, logos you want to contribute are welcome as are comments and
suggestions.
Thanks for your desired assistance.
Mike Archer
Editor
Abbotsford|Today
Chilliwack|Today
____________________________
The Today Media Group
35333 Sandy Hill Rd, Abbotsford BC, V3G 1J2
45355 Creekside Dr., Chilliwack, BC, V2P 7S4
editor@abbotsfordtoday.ca
editor@chilliwacktoday.ca
The Today Media Group
Questionnaire
1. What company provides garbage collection services?
On the west side of the City of Abbotsford (former District of Matsqui), city crews
provide curbside collection for garbage to approximately 18,200 single family and
duplex residences.
On the east side of the City (former District of Abbotsford), Waste Services Inc. is
contracted by the City to provide curbside collection of garbage for approximately
6,900 single family and duplex residences.
Multi-family residences (approximately 18,000), and businesses (institutional,
commercial, and industrial) are all required to provide their own garbage collection,
which is generally arranged through a number of private waste contractors in the City.
2. What company provides recycling collection services?
On the west side of the City of Abbotsford (former District of Matsqui), city crews
provide curbside collection for recycling to approximately 18,200 single family and
duplex residences.
On the east side of the City (former District of Abbotsford), Waste Services Inc. is
contracted by the City to provide curbside collection of recycling for approximately
6,900 single family and duplex residences.
Multi-family residences (approximately 18,000), and businesses (institutional,
commercial, and industrial) are all required to provide their own recycling collection,
which is generally arranged through a number of private waste contractors in the City.
At the current time, only multi-family residences are specifically required by bylaw to
provide collection for all specified recyclables.
3. What does each household pay as a monthly fee?
The annual fees for curbside collection of garbage, recyclables, and yard waste for the
collection service by the City and City contractors for single family and duplex
residences are:
Rural Bi-weekly Pickup
Urban Weekly Pickup*
$170/year ($14.17/month) @ 2,800 residences
$205/year (17.08/month) @ 22,300 residences
In addition, multifamily residences pay a recycling processing and sorting fee for
recycling of $12/year ($1/month) @ 18,600 residences).
*Note – Weekly pickup is for recycling and garbage only. Yard waste is collected biweekly only.
____________________________
The Today Media Group
35333 Sandy Hill Rd, Abbotsford BC, V3G 1J2
45355 Creekside Dr., Chilliwack, BC, V2P 7S4
editor@abbotsfordtoday.ca
editor@chilliwacktoday.ca
The Today Media Group
4. What services do they receive?
a. # Garbage Containers
Rural Bi-weekly Pickup
Urban Weekly Pickup
3 containers, maximum 80 L containers
2 containers, maximum 80 L containers*
Except in bear pilot area of approximately 150 residences on Sumas Mountain for
which the City has provided one bear resistant cart (240 L) for each resident. No other
container is allowed for garbage.
b. # Recyclable Containers
Unlimited blue bags are collected. The annual solid waste utility fee includes the
recycling processing and sorting services.
Multifamily residences pay an annual fee of $12/year ($1/month) for which they
receive the recycling processing and sorting at the Abbotsford Mission @ 18,600
residences).
c. Extra Container Fees (if any)
Extra garbage bag stickers cost $2 per bag.
d. How are yard trimmings dealt with?
Yard waste is collected bi-weekly at all single family and duplex residences in the City
(25,100 residences). Unlimited yard waste is collected within reason. Yard waste must
be from the property.
e. How are large items (eg couches) dealt with?
Residents are responsible for disposal of their own large items. Metal items, such as an
old stove, may be dropped for free at the Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot. If the
resident was not able to move themselves, they would need to hire a private company
to pickup and haul the item to a re-use, recycling, or disposal facility..
5. What does the service contract contain in terms of service standards/
fines/guarantees?
a. Schedules/Pick Up Times
The schedule is specified by the City and pickup times are limited to between 7am and
5pm.
b. Missed Calls
____________________________
The Today Media Group
35333 Sandy Hill Rd, Abbotsford BC, V3G 1J2
45355 Creekside Dr., Chilliwack, BC, V2P 7S4
editor@abbotsfordtoday.ca
editor@chilliwacktoday.ca
The Today Media Group
If the City or City Contractor determines that the property was missed due to a City or
Contractor error, then the vehicle will return to the property. In the case of the City
Contractor, this would be at no cost to the City.
c. Placement and handling of containers after pickup?
Lids are required to be in place in a safe location off the roadway that does not
obstruct vehicles or pedestrians.
6. How are complaints handled?
a. To whom does a citizen complain?
The resident can call the City Contractor if they are in the City Contractor collection
area, or they can call the City Engineering Operations, or Engineering Department, for
if they are either in the City Crew collection area or the City Contractor collection area.
These telephone numbers are provided on the calendar and handbook that each
resident receives yearly, and are also posted on the City website.
b. Do they speak to a person?
Yes, but occasionally may have to leave a voicemail.
c. Is their call returned?
Yes, always.
d. How quickly is each complaint handled?
Return call is usually made in same day with resolution within one to two days.
____________________________
The Today Media Group
35333 Sandy Hill Rd, Abbotsford BC, V3G 1J2
45355 Creekside Dr., Chilliwack, BC, V2P 7S4
editor@abbotsfordtoday.ca
editor@chilliwacktoday.ca
The Today Media Group
7. How often do you evaluate the company(s) providing garbage and recycling service
and by what criteria? Do citizens have a say in the process?
Because the City of Abbotsford is directly involved in the Collection Service and is
involved in the complaint process whether its City Crew related, or City Contractor
related, there is continuous evaluation and discussion of the services provided by the
City Crew and City Contractor.
8. How would you describe the quality of service you are currently receiving?
Excellent.
Any news, photos, logos you want to contribute are welcome as are comments and
suggestions.
The City of Abbotsford recognizes the need to ensure the solid waste collection
program remains sustainable both from a cost perspective and from an environmental
perspective. The City is therefore undertaking a couple of pilot programs to help the
long term sustainability of the solid waste collecton and disposal program. The Food
Waste Collection Pilot is currently being expanded to over four hundred homes at
which all compostable organics will be collected and composted instead of going to
landfill. The 2009 waste audit showed that approximately 55% of the garbage stream
is comprised of compostable organics that could be recycled back into valuable
compost. The second pilot program is the automated waste collection program, which
will further help with long terms costs and worker safety.
Thank you for your assistance. We’ll let you know when the article is complete and posted
on our sites.
Sincerely
Mike Archer
Editor
____________________________
The Today Media Group
35333 Sandy Hill Rd, Abbotsford BC, V3G 1J2
45355 Creekside Dr., Chilliwack, BC, V2P 7S4
editor@abbotsfordtoday.ca
editor@chilliwacktoday.ca