Dear Editor
Upon performing an annual review of my expenses, and reading recent articles and commentaries in both local Airdrie newspapers from concerned budget-conscious residents, I feel the need to voice my own concerns and bring some suggestions to the table.
The monthly budget plan on my property has increased 13 percent for 2023. Understanding that we are in a period of inflation, this still seems rather excessive and unsustainable. But how do we control a mandatory service?
Since moving to Airdrie in 2002 when most residents put to curb only one to two bags of garbage a week with one truck rotation, we are now disposing one bag and two very large bins with three trucks.
Are we encouraging more waste? Has a study been done on how much empty space is in these bins each week, over a month, over a season? I see an opportunity to reduce the transportation requirements of doing three laps a week around every street by reducing the schedule, thus reducing the economic strain on residents and environmental impact.
Personally, with the addition of organics and recycling bins, my household only puts out a garbage bag once, maybe twice, a month. I put out recycling only when the bin is full, which again is usually once a month.
The reduced organics schedule in winter is appreciated but could we do better? With the contents of the green bin generally freezing each night, the odour is minimized. Also, with no yard waste over winter months, it would be surprising if a family could actually fill a green bin over the course of a few months or the entire season. Our organics bin only goes to the curb if there has been a period of overnight temperatures substantially above zero.
I feel we are being greatly over-serviced and therefore over-charged. I understand each household has different needs, but if asked to make a few changes for a financial benefit during these tight times, I think people would adapt. We would also be contributing to better air quality with less transportation, and maybe even less waste with more conscious thought about volume.
Perhaps we can all be better citizens by looking at our usage of services. For example, if we have too much recycling waste for the size of the bin, can we not set it aside until the next scheduled pick-up? Alternatively, can we ask a neighbour if their bin has space? If our bins are not full, why do they have to be put out and waste the time and energy on an unnecessary stop?
We need to be looking at our personal purchasing/waste habits and coming up with solutions instead of just throwing money around for the sake of convenience. As the growing population of Airdrie continues to put financial pressure on everyone, consulting with residents may reveal some great recommendations for solutions and improvements.
Thank you for your time.
Kari Wilson
