Nutana man pleased City of Saskatoon makes exemption on green cart program
Frank Collins was told he had to place bin in front of home, now will be allowed to use alley
When Frank Collins signed up for the city's green cart program, he had no idea it would be this frustrating — or complicated.
Several weeks ago, Collins signed up for the city's composting service, which charges $85 to haul away lawn clippings and food waste in a separate bin.
When he put his cart out, he noticed it wasn't picked up by the city. After contacting them, he was told he had to place the bin in front of his home, four feet away from all other structures.
Collins told them that was impossible, and asked to place his green cart in his back alley, alongside his garbage and recycling bins.
"That street is angle parking which is used by people who work in the area or people who are shopping in the area," he said.
"There's no way to do it unless you literally leave the bin in the middle of the street."
After being told back alley pickup was impossible, Collins placed an angry message on Facebook.
He talked to his neighbours, and found one of them had also abandoned their green cart, for similar reasons.
Eventually, he was contacted by his city councillor, Cynthia Block.
Block managed to work with administration, and helped broker a compromise Tuesday to allow back alley pickup.
"When I hear that residents aren't able to take advantage of the program, even though they've signed up for the subscription and pay the money to be involved, that was very disappointing to read," said Block.
"So, I was very happy to take up the charge and try to see what I could do."
City-wide composting
Collins' problem highlights a potentially sticky situation down the road. Saskatoon is looking at enacting a city-wide composting program by 2023.
If the city still insists on front-street pickup, it could be a problem for people in his situation.
"Sometimes, it's just not possible to do the pickups in the same way in every area of the city," said Block.
"And for those of us who live in historic neighborhoods, whether it's in Nutana or City Park or Caswell Hill, there are opportunities to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be involved in the green cart program."
Collins will now have to haul his green cart half a block down the street, to a commercial back alley just off Broadway Avenue.
While it's an inconvenience, Collins said it's worth the effort.
"As long as they're able to pick it up, we're kind of happy," he said.
"It's unfortunate, though, that I had to drag in a councillor to get this dealt with."
Collins was told his green bin will be picked up Wednesday morning.