Curbside Collection Bins

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Bin placement
Missed collection
RFID tags

You can keep curbside collection running smoothly by placing your bins according to the guidelines and sorting your waste into the correct bins.

How to place your bins for collection

To ensure safe and timely collection, there are bin placement guidelines that must be met:

General bin placement
Place collection bins at the curb (or back alleyway, if applicable) by 7:30 a.m. on your collection day. Face bins towards the road and hinges pointing towards the home. Space bins at least 3 ft. (1 metre) from cars and 1 ft. (30 cm) from other bins. On streets with parking congestion, pull bins away from the curb and into the roadway, just past parked vehicles but no further than the side view mirrors on vehicles. Ensure lids are firmly closed. Place materials in the correct bins. Avoid putting collection bins out the night before their collection.
Winter bin placement
In addition to following the guidelines above, there are added practices to follow in the winter when snow builds up on roads, sidewalks and private property: Place bins in front of windrows. Do not place bins on top of windrows or snowbanks. Ensure lids are firmly closed. Remove all snow from the curb, driveway or lane where the bins are placed. Clear a path to the bins so collection crews can easily reach them. If the bin is blocked by ice, snow or windrows, it may not be collected. Residents are strongly encouraged to maintain a clear path to bins and sidewalks by regularly clearing snow and applying ice melt.
Back alley placement
Some residents receive back alley collection. This means that your garbage and recycling is collected in the alley behind your home. To find out if your home falls under a back-alley collection route, view the back-alley collection map. Place the bins on your property either beside or in front of your garage, or at the edge of your rear service back alley, with the hinges and wheels facing your home. Most bins have an arrow marked on the side of the bin pointing in the direction of the alley. Position bins at least 3 ft. (1 metre) from parked vehicles and 1 ft. (30 cm) from other bins. Place bins 3 ft. (1 metre) from nearest structure or overhang.

General bin placement

Place collection bins at the curb (or back alleyway, if applicable) by 7:30 a.m. on your collection day.
Face bins towards the road and hinges pointing towards the home.
Space bins at least 3 ft. (1 metre) from cars and 1 ft. (30 cm) from other bins.
On streets with parking congestion, pull bins away from the curb and into the roadway, just past parked vehicles but no further than the side view mirrors on vehicles.
Ensure lids are firmly closed.
Place materials in the correct bins.
Avoid putting collection bins out the night before their collection.

Winter bin placement

In addition to following the guidelines above, there are added practices to follow in the winter when snow builds up on roads, sidewalks and private property:

Place bins in front of windrows. Do not place bins on top of windrows or snowbanks.

Ensure lids are firmly closed.
Remove all snow from the curb, driveway or lane where the bins are placed. Clear a path to the bins so collection crews can easily reach them.

If the bin is blocked by ice, snow or windrows, it may not be collected. Residents are strongly encouraged to maintain a clear path to bins and sidewalks by regularly clearing snow and applying ice melt.

Back alley placement

Some residents receive back alley collection. This means that your garbage and recycling is collected in the alley behind your home. To find out if your home falls under a back-alley collection route, view the back-alley collection map.

Place the bins on your property either beside or in front of your garage, or at the edge of your rear service back alley, with the hinges and wheels facing your home. Most bins have an arrow marked on the side of the bin pointing in the direction of the alley.

Position bins at least 3 ft. (1 metre) from parked vehicles and 1 ft. (30 cm) from other bins. Place bins 3 ft. (1 metre) from nearest structure or overhang.

Request bins

Residential homes in Fort McMurray, Draper, Saprae Creek Estates, Gregoire Lake Estates and Anzac are provided with three curbside collection bins per household. Bins are registered by address.

If your home does not yet have curbside collection bins, please contact Pulse to request them.

To request a replacement bin, contact Pulse.

Bins for legal suites

If your home has a registered legal suite and you require an additional set of curbside collection bins, please contact Pulse to request them. Once we receive your request, our team will:

Confirm the address is a registered legal suite
Provide you with the Additional Bin Request Form to sign, acknowledging an additional curbside collection charge per month
After the form is received, we update your billing record and deliver your new collection bins.

For questions about this process, please contact Pulse.

Notice tags left on carts

You may see a notice left on your garbage; we really appreciate the effort you make to keep our teams moving safely and quickly and so we may leave a thank you note!
You may also see a note explaining why we may have struggled to collect your garbage or if we were unable to collect your garbage this week.

Missed collection

Collection may be skipped if:

Bins are not correctly placed for pick up
There is wrong material in the bin (garbage in the recycling)
A parked vehicle was too close for collectors to collect bins
The wrong colour recycling bin was presented
There was hazardous waste or electronic waste present in the bin
Bins were not placed at the curb by 7:30 a.m.

If you have questions about a missed collection, please contact Pulse.

Common reasons for missed or difficult collection include:

The wrong items in the bins
Incorrect cart placement, not enough spacing between and around carts, or the wrong bin put out
Obstacles or obstructions around carts (e.g. cars, sports equipment, etc.)

Staying on schedule for you and your neighbours is important; having your carts set out properly, on-time and with the right material helps to keep your collector safe and the team moving quickly.

RFID tags

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are being installed onto curbside collection bins. RFID tags will help reduce the costs of curbside collection by creating operational efficiencies. These efficiencies include:

Using less fuel
Reducing wear and tear on vehicles
Ensuring timely collection

This will result in cost savings in the long term.

This system is common across North America, and is currently being used in Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Prince George and Nanaimo.

Frequently asked questions about RFID tags

What are RFID tags?
Radio frequency identification is a type of tracking system that uses smart barcodes to identify curbside collection bins. Once installed and programmed, crews will be able to use a web-based system to track collection bins and improve collection services. RFID tags are not intended to track your recycling habits, weigh your waste or increase collection charges.
What do RFID tags look like?
The tags are simply a white paper strip that are applied to your existing bins. They are approximately 10 cm (4 inches) long and 1.5 cm (1/2 an inch) wide. Inside each strip is a battery-free chip that contains integrated circuit and antennae.
Do I have to pay for this service?
There is NO additional cost to users for this program. You will NOT be charged extra on your utility bill. Costs for this program come from the regular annual (operating/capital) budgeting process, including the RFID tags, collection bins, the web-based system, and collection vehicles.
When will this new system begin?
This is a big project, so it will require a phased approach. Over the next two years, collection crews will install tags, implement the web-based system, train staff, develop new procedures and acquire collection vehicles with the RFID technology. Some of our newer municipal collection trucks already have RFID capability. Existing vehicles not scheduled for replacement in 2019 will be retrofitted with the new technology in 2020. The program will be phased in as collection bins and trucks are brought online so they can communicate with one another.
Why do you want to track our bins?
The Municipality has several strategic priorities and values as defined by Mayor and Council. These priorities and values guide decision making and long-term planning, so we can support the vision of a vibrant, sustainable region we are proud to call home. This program is intended to support strategic priorities including responsible government, accountability, fiscal responsibility, customer service, integrity and working together. The Municipality is always looking for opportunities to cut costs, spend wisely and make informed decisions. The RFID tag program aligns with these strategies and supports the Municipality's mission of delivering excellence – every day.
Will I be fined if my curbside collection isn't sorted properly or placed at the curb correctly?
Our priority is to provide reliable, efficient curbside collection services to residents. Education is our focus, so all residents have a clear understanding of the system and an awareness of their responsibilities. The Municipality does NOT intend to fine residents for improper sorting or bin placement. Please keep in mind that crews may NOT be able to collect bins if they are not properly placed, or if waste is not securely contained in the bins. In addition, there is a Solid Waste Bylaw, and residents going against this bylaw could be fined or charged clean-up costs. More specific information is available here: Solid Waste Bylaw No. 07/043.
What happens if my tag is removed?
Please do not peel off or adjust the tags, as they could become damaged and not function properly. Should you notice an issue with your tag, please contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, or 1-800-973-9663 (toll free), or online at rmwb.ca/pulse. Should you remove your tag intentionally, the RFID software will see this error and create an alert on the web-based system. You could be charged for replacement of the tags if they are tampered with. For any questions about the tags, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, or 1-800-973-9663 (toll free), or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.
Do I own my collection bins or do they belong to the Municipality?
Your bins are assigned to your residence and technically belong to the Municipality. All bins must stay at your residence should you move to a new location in the region or if you leave the region to live elsewhere.
How does RFID tag installation impact me?
There should be minimal impact to most users. Crews intend to install tags during their regular collection process, so bins should already be out to the curb for easy installation. We don't anticipate we'll need to enter your property to install tags. Should we need to enter your property, a crew member will approach you for permission first.
What areas are included in the RFID program?
The following communities are included in the program as they fall under the existing curbside collection program: Anzac, Draper, Fort McMurray, Gregoire Lake Estates and Saprae Creek.
I live in a condo. I own a business. Does this impact me?
If you rely on a private service provider for your waste collection, this program does not impact you. The RFID system will only be implemented for the municipal curbside collection program, and does not include businesses, condos, or industry.

What are RFID tags?

Radio frequency identification is a type of tracking system that uses smart barcodes to identify curbside collection bins. Once installed and programmed, crews will be able to use a web-based system to track collection bins and improve collection services.

RFID tags are not intended to track your recycling habits, weigh your waste or increase collection charges.

What do RFID tags look like?

The tags are simply a white paper strip that are applied to your existing bins. They are approximately 10 cm (4 inches) long and 1.5 cm (1/2 an inch) wide. Inside each strip is a battery-free chip that contains integrated circuit and antennae.

Do I have to pay for this service?

There is NO additional cost to users for this program. You will NOT be charged extra on your utility bill. Costs for this program come from the regular annual (operating/capital) budgeting process, including the RFID tags, collection bins, the web-based system, and collection vehicles.

When will this new system begin?

This is a big project, so it will require a phased approach. Over the next two years, collection crews will install tags, implement the web-based system, train staff, develop new procedures and acquire collection vehicles with the RFID technology.

Some of our newer municipal collection trucks already have RFID capability. Existing vehicles not scheduled for replacement in 2019 will be retrofitted with the new technology in 2020.

The program will be phased in as collection bins and trucks are brought online so they can communicate with one another.

Why do you want to track our bins?

The Municipality has several strategic priorities and values as defined by Mayor and Council. These priorities and values guide decision making and long-term planning, so we can support the vision of a vibrant, sustainable region we are proud to call home. This program is intended to support strategic priorities including responsible government, accountability, fiscal responsibility, customer service, integrity and working together.

The Municipality is always looking for opportunities to cut costs, spend wisely and make informed decisions. The RFID tag program aligns with these strategies and supports the Municipality's mission of delivering excellence – every day.

Will I be fined if my curbside collection isn't sorted properly or placed at the curb correctly?

Our priority is to provide reliable, efficient curbside collection services to residents. Education is our focus, so all residents have a clear understanding of the system and an awareness of their responsibilities.

The Municipality does NOT intend to fine residents for improper sorting or bin placement.

Please keep in mind that crews may NOT be able to collect bins if they are not properly placed, or if waste is not securely contained in the bins. In addition, there is a Solid Waste Bylaw, and residents going against this bylaw could be fined or charged clean-up costs. More specific information is available here: Solid Waste Bylaw No. 07/043.

What happens if my tag is removed?

Please do not peel off or adjust the tags, as they could become damaged and not function properly. Should you notice an issue with your tag, please contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, or 1-800-973-9663 (toll free), or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.

Should you remove your tag intentionally, the RFID software will see this error and create an alert on the web-based system. You could be charged for replacement of the tags if they are tampered with.

For any questions about the tags, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, or 1-800-973-9663 (toll free), or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.

Do I own my collection bins or do they belong to the Municipality?

Your bins are assigned to your residence and technically belong to the Municipality. All bins must stay at your residence should you move to a new location in the region or if you leave the region to live elsewhere.

How does RFID tag installation impact me?

There should be minimal impact to most users. Crews intend to install tags during their regular collection process, so bins should already be out to the curb for easy installation.

We don't anticipate we'll need to enter your property to install tags. Should we need to enter your property, a crew member will approach you for permission first.

What areas are included in the RFID program?

The following communities are included in the program as they fall under the existing curbside collection program: Anzac, Draper, Fort McMurray, Gregoire Lake Estates and Saprae Creek.

I live in a condo. I own a business. Does this impact me?

If you rely on a private service provider for your waste collection, this program does not impact you. The RFID system will only be implemented for the municipal curbside collection program, and does not include businesses, condos, or industry.