The R.M. of Nipawin said the improper use of its large garbage and recycling bins has been a recurring, ongoing issue for years. (Facebook/Rural Municipality of Nipawin No. 487)

By Aaron Schulze

Recycling Reduced

R.M. of Nipawin removes large garbage and recycling bins, citing ‘abuse’

May 13, 2020 | 3:15 PM

Rate payers in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Nipawin No. 487 will need to dump their household garbage to the BARWA Landfill or the Waste Diversion Centre throughout the summer.

The R.M. removed the municipality’s large garbage and recycling bins, due to what the R.M.’s staff called as ‘abuse’ of both garbage and recycling materials. The decision was announced May 12.

Nathalie Hipkins, the R.M.’s administrator, said the issue has been ongoing at least since the start of her job nearly two years ago.

“I’ve heard it at almost every council meeting,” Hipkins told northeastNOW. “It was not an easy decision. We’ve been getting a lot of garbage in the recycling bin, so recycling ends up going to the garbage bin instead of being recycled. It’s not only the recycling bins the R.M. pays for, we also have the per-capita fee we pay to BARWA that’s gone up. Council didn’t want to raise taxes this year; they had to do some work to balance the budget.”

Within 24 hours of the announcement, the R.M. received a variety of comments, complaints, and questions regarding the large bin removal. Some rate payers said they understood council’s decision but noted how the bin removals could lead to R.M. residents looking at alternative routes to rid their garbage to avoid landfill fees. Others mentioned the financial and logistical inconveniences of driving further out to rid their garbage and pay fees.

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Hipkins anticipates the bins will remain removed throughout the spring and summer and council will review the decision in September. She added the R.M. will take note of practical suggestions and bring them to council for review.

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca