Battleford's curb-side garbage containers are soon expected to find themselves in the trash heap.
According to CAO John Enns-Wind, the containers that were purchased "10 to 12 years ago," have a lifespan of approximately 10 years before they begin to deteriorate from UV rays and outdoor conditions.
At the regular Town council meeting April 17, a recommendation was made to council to adopt a maintenance, repair and replacement policy for the degenerating receptacles.
The recommendation presented to council by Enns-Wind included a $100 replacement fee and a $30 administration fee that homeowners would pay.
The administration fee was decided on by taking into consideration "the whole labour cost," said Enns-Wind.
With the first batch of waste containers paid for by the town around 10 years ago, Councillor Shelley Boutin-Gervais asked whether it was that administration's and council's intention to charge homeowners for their replacement.
Eric Bilanski, works manager with the Town, responded, "it was my understanding when we got them, that the Town would supply the first one and after that the homeowner would replace them."
A question then raised by Mayor Leslie was whether the administration fee could be waived in the event the garbage container were damaged by vandalism.
"If some kid drove over my garbage can, I'd have a hard time forking over $130," said Leslie.
He was answered by Russell, who said, "It's no different if a kid drove over your lawn and tore it up. Who's going to fix the lawn; the homeowner."
"Some of it has got to be the homeowner’s responsibility," Russell concluded.
It was a sentiment echoed by Enns-Wind, who noted waste containers would follow the same guidance as laterals in regards to homeowner responsibility.
In a tight budget year, the cost for replacing the containers would run the Town more than $140,000. The motion was carried unanimously.
Clarification (April 25): It should be noted that the replacement of the waste containers is being done only on an as-needed basis; the new fees are not something being imposed on all residents.
