Automated Garbage Collection Public Engagement

Today, the City of St. John’s officially launched a public engagement campaign to talk to residents about the new automated garbage collection program coming to the city in 2018. Following a series of focus groups which took place in early May, the City is now asking for everyone to weigh in on the program.
 
“City staff will be out in the community starting today to ask the general public for their concerns around implementation and input on the size of the bin,” said Councillor Danny Breen, Chair of the Public Works Standing Committee. “Through our focus group sessions we were able to narrow down some key concerns from residents and we are now ready to ramp up the conversation to include everyone.”
 
Residents can learn about the program and provide feedback in a variety of ways:

• In person at our pop-up engagement booths
• Online at engagestjohns.ca
• Sign up here to stay connected 

A quick 10 minute survey is available on the engagestjohns.ca website. The site includes a mapping feature where you can pin your location and make a comment. The map shows which streets in the downtown area will not be included in the program. Residents can also post questions directly to city staff and review frequently asked questions.
 
“Automated garbage will allow the City to improve the efficiency and safety of our collectors while also reducing litter. The public engagement sessions will also provide the opportunity to discuss the importance of recycling and re-thinking waste habits,” said Councillor Breen.
 
Following the public engagement process the city will release a ‘What we Heard’ document and Council will have feedback to help inform the decisions as to what size bins the City will purchase and how the cost of the program will be administered.
 
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca