Midhurst/October 11, 2022 – In June 2022, the County of Simcoe conducted an extensive public survey and received 5,650 responses regarding residential waste collection and disposal services. Almost one year after the introduction of automated cart collection, 88 per cent of survey participants reported that they are either satisfied or very satisfied with the new automated cart collection. Eighty-two per cent of participants indicated that they are either satisfied or very satisfied with the County’s waste disposal sites (landfills and transfer centres).
“County Council is pleased to receive these outstanding results, which validate the change we undertook to move to carts and restore consistency to our waste collection services while adding additional convenience for Simcoe County households, » said Warden George Cornell. “The County is extremely grateful to the 5,650 residents and business owners who took the time to participate in our survey. Hearing from constituents is vital to Councillors and staff as we work together to improve services and encourage sustainable waste practices. »
In 2019, waste collections for residents and business owners were impacted by nationwide labour challenges. Council and staff acted to restore consistency to County waste services, introducing a four-day collection schedule and launching automated cart collections. In early January, after a transition period, County Council also introduced cart exchanges, allowing residents to adjust the size of their carts.
“Change can undoubtedly be difficult, and there was some initial apprehension, but survey respondents indicated that they now see the tremendous benefits of the new cart system and the modified collection schedule. We’re also seeing more and more municipalities begin the process to move to the automated cart collection system, with many reaching out to the County for guidance, and we’re happy to have been ahead of the curve on making this important and successful change, » added Warden Cornell.
These survey results show that the County’s approach to waste management are having the desired effects according to survey respondents. Where possible, these results will be used to make further enhancements. Among the five per cent of respondents who were dissatisfied with our waste sites, 37 per cent indicated that site location was an issue. As the County grows, we will evaluate whether waste drop off strategies and locations continue to reflect our current needs and demographics and report back to County Council for direction.
Results indicate one in four respondents do not use their green cart all of the time. Using your green cart is the easiest way to conserve landfill capacity and reduce our carbon footprint. Participation rates are increasing, and this new information will help the County introduce awareness programs to encourage greater use of green carts. For more information on where things go, visit https://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/swm/where <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>> or use the Waste Wizard function on our free Simcoe County Collects App.
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca
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CONTACTS
Chris Hedley
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-715-7654 (mobile)
Chris.Hedley@simcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca