Oromocto to hold plebiscite on curbside recycling

Curbside recycling may be coming to Oromocto, along with a 50 per cent increase in collection fees, depending on the outcome of a question on the ballot in the upcoming municipal election.

The Town is holding a plebiscite on the issue, in conjunction with the May 9 election.

Dick Isabelle, the Town's chief administrative officer, said the goal is to measure public interest in switching from community depots to curbside collection. 

"We have a lot of military people that move in every year. They've had experience in other locations with curbside collection and we hear those voices every so often saying, 'Wouldn't that be nice if Oromocto could offer that,'" said Isabelle, speaking to Information Morning Fredericton on Tuesday.

Information Morning - Fredericton4:01Plebiscite - Dick Isabelle

Oromocto's chief administrative officer explains the upcoming plebiscite.

Currently, there are three community recycling depots in town and they are in high demand, said Isabelle.

"Sometimes [they're] almost overused because we find, at times, we have to empty them in the middle of the weekend because they fill up so much."

Isabelle said if people vote in favour of establishing curbside service, there will be a 50 per cent increase in the collection fee, from $80 per year to $120. The plan is to follow the same guidelines as in Fredericton, with grey boxes for paper and cardboard and blue boxes for plastic and metal cans.

A public meeting on the plebiscite is set for April 19 at 6 p.m. at the Oromocto town hall.