The City of Guelph's rules for separating trash are changing on Sept. 1, and some residents think it could lead to a stinky situation.
Guelph residents, especially those with young children, are concerned that the odours provoked by the new rules could be overwhelming.
Starting Thursday, residents are asked to redirect organic materials like diapers and feminine hygiene products that may have plastic components from the compost bag to the clear garbage bag.
Heather Connell, manager of integrated services for the City of Guelph, says "This is because they contain plastic and plastic is not compostable."
But while blue and green bags are picked up weekly, clear bags are picked up bi-weekly, which is why some are concerned about the possible smell from weeks old diapers.
Guelph resident and mother Janet Aizenstros says "I already have a system in my garage, where I can store the garbage, however I really don't want it sitting there for two weeks."
Currently, the city sends all of its organic material to a processor in New York state that does accept some plastic.
However, officials say the changes are necessary as the city looks ahead to opening up a new compost facility in Guelph this fall, one that does not accept any plastic.
Coffee cups that were once recyclable are now also being redirected to the landfill.
Connell says "Fast food coffee cups have a plastic, thin liner on the inside of the coffee cup which renders it difficult to recycle."
She says by rolling out the new rules now, the city hopes things will be easier for residents to process when the new 10,000 sq. ft. facility opens in a month.
City staff says the changes are the result of standards introduced by the Ministry of the Environment.
In addition, the Region of Waterloo will also soon be sending its organic waste to Guelph instead of the plant in Hamilton.
For additional information please visit: http://guelph.ca/living.cfm?itemid=80118&smocid=1471
