Couch, mattress pick-up proposed as solution to arson fires

Ward five councillor Ed Sleiman is proposing the city reintroduce garbage pick-up of couches and other large items to avoid illegal dumping and potentially stop arson fires. 

The idea was discussed at a public meeting Wednesday night in Walkerville, where city,fire and police officials addressed resident arson concerns. 

• Windsorites voice arson concerns at public meeting

Several arson fires over the past year have been set in alleys in the Walkerville area by someone lighting up old mattresses and other garbage. 

"I know in some municipalities for example...in Newmarket they have it," said Sleiman. "You put a sticker on it and the sticker costs about 12 bucks, then the city will pick it up."

Const. Mike Akpata, from the Windsor police arson squad, was also at the meeting. 

He told CBC News there should be a cost analysis done to see what would costs the city more: having a pick-up large items or the costs associated with fighting and investigating the arson fires. 

Bulk pick-up may not prevent illegal dumping

The City of Windsor hasn't had bulk pick-up for at least 20 years because it's an expensive service, said Anne-Marie Albidone, manager of environmental services. 

• Springtime trash is piling up in Windsor

"We have a public drop off facility here that's relatively inexpensive to utilize," said Albidone. "If they're not willing to pay $5 to bring it here, my guess is they're probably not going to be willing to pay the sticker price for a bulk pick-up. So whether it's $12, $10, $15 they're probably not going to want to pay that and they're probably going to dump illegally anyway," she said. 

Albidone said it would cost a minimum tipping fee of $5 to drop off something like a couch. Though Albidone also points to the Goodwill dop-off on site, which takes furniture that's still in good condition and has no fee. 

She admits though not everyone has a car or truck to bring their couches and mattresses to the transfer station, so a free city pick-up could be best, but it would have to be a council decision.

If curb pick-up isn't implemented, Albidone said there should be more public drop-off locations in the city to make it easier and closer for people to bring their items. 

Dumping victim would pay more taxes for service 

Rick Hendriksen, who was the victim of illegal dumping, last week, said he wouldn't mind paying more on his property taxes if it means less illegal dumping. 

• Dead cat, garbage dumped in Windsor alley

Someone left a pile of garbage in the alley behind his house, which the city has since cleaned it up.

"I wouldn't have a problem with that," he said. "That would be better than having it laying on the curb or laying on the street."

Hendriksen would also be in favour of paying more tax if everyone got free garbage containers.

• Garbage can sales up as a new Windsor bylaw approaches

" I don't know why the city doesn't supply every household with a garbage can that attaches to a truck so they can dump it and make it large enough so you don't have people overflowing their cans," he said.