Dear Editor: Re: City’s garbage policies are a waste of taxpayer funds, Burnaby NOW, Letters, April 25.
Further to Mr. Ervin’s letter in which he expresses his concern about the city collections having bypassed his garbage because it was improperly placed, rather than the city worker moving his collection bin into the proper position. The city collects 35,000 bins each week. Because each improper bin placement is a unique circumstance, we know that having drivers correct each placement, rather than simply tagging the bin with information, would affect their ability to complete collection routes. It would also require the city to expend significantly more resources.
Because the role of citizens in placing their bins appropriately is critical to ensuring efficient collection, the city provides many materials that explain proper bin placement and waste separation. This information is delivered to Burnaby homes and available on our website.
Fortunately, the vast majority of bins are properly placed, allowing for efficient waste collection.
James Lota, assistant director, engineering, City of Burnaby
