St. John's residents taking to garbage rules: city hall

Residents of St. John's appear to be complying with a new bylaw that forces them to cover their garbage.

"It certainly seems to be working," said public works director Paul Mackey, describing compliance with an experimental program intended to reduce litter in city streets.

The citybegan enforcing a bylaw Aug. 1 that requires homeowners to cover garbage bags, either in enclosed containers or with materials ranging from nets to blankets.

St. John's city councillors will review the program after a pilot project concludes this fall.

For now, though, Mackey said city staff themselves have found the program to be an improvement.

"We've been talking to our collectors, who are the key people in all this, just to get their feedback, and they certainly seem to think it's improving the situation," he said.

"They're seeing a lot less garbage torn open and spilled … It certainly helps their efforts while they're collecting if things are properly packaged."

The garbage bylaw drew flack from residents this spring when it was first proposed, with residents in some neighbourhoods— especially in the downtown area, where houses are adjoined — appealing for exceptions.

While councillors initially approved exceptions to the bylaw, which even Mayor Andy Wells has described as a blunt instrument to solve a problem that involves a small percentage of households, council ultimately decided to try the pilot project with no exceptions.

The bylaw also applies to small businesses that rely on the city for garbage removal.

Mackey said notices are being issued over non-compliance with the new regulations.Anyone who ignores the notices will face fines, he said.