Curbside Collection Bins

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.