Garbage pick-up changes approved

Despite considerable public opposition, city council Wednesday approved changes to its residential curbside waste collection service that includes reducing garbage pick-up to every two weeks.

Other changes, beginning in November 2012, will include weekly green bin pickup year-round, retain blue- and black-box pick-up on alternating weeks and implement a special diaper and incontinence products pick-up program.

Even though the decision was opposed by a majority of residents, councillors, including Somerset Coun. Diane Holmes, voted overwhelmingly in favour.

The city says the changes are expected to save taxpayers $9 million annually over the next six years.

For more information on what items should be disposed in the green bin, blue-box, black-box and residual garbage, visit www.ottawa.ca/recycle.