What to know for winter curbside collection

Recycling, organics and garbage bins placed at the curb during the winter in Barrie, Ont. (Source: City of Barrie)

Residents in Barrie are reminded that with winter here and snow blanketing the city, curbside collection bins need to be placed at the end of driveways and out of the path of snow removal trucks.

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The City said if collection bins and boxes are hit by snow plows and the contents spill, it’s up to the resident to clean up the mess.

And if it starts snowing after bins are put at the curb, “it is the responsibility of the resident to remove the snow from their materials so they are accessible and visible to the collector,” the City stated.

Tips

Residents are encouraged to clear snow from an area along the curb for bin placement, far from the road without blocking sidewalks.

“Stacking recycling boxes also helps if possible so they are visible and take up a smaller footprint,” the City added.

And keep in mind, anything that freezes to the bins just might remain in the bins.

“The collectors are required to lightly tap the containers to loosen material; however, there is a risk of damaging the containers if aggressive force is used in removing remaining materials,” the City noted.

“Lining your organics bin with a fibre (e.g. paper) liner will help to prevent the contents from freezing to the bin,” the City provided.

Damaged recycling boxes and green bins can be replaced free of charge by calling 705-739-4219.

Tree Collection

Christmas trees will be collected weekly throughout January on collection day.

They can’t have plastic wrap, bags, decorations or strands and must be visible at the curb by 7 a.m.

Do not place Christmas trees on top of snowbanks as they could end up buried or frozen and left by collectors.

Residents can also drop their Christmas trees at the landfill for free, but again, it needs to be free of ornaments, bags and strands.