Automated Garbage: 'What we Heard' Document Online

The City of St. John’s conducted extensive public engagement from April to June 2017 on the implementation of automated garbage collection, seeking feedback on bin size, funding models, implementation concerns and recycling habits. A synopsis of what was heard is now available at engagestjohns.ca.

“Council is very pleased with the level of engagement on this topic and is grateful for the public’s participation in the process,” said Mayor Danny Breen, former Chair of the Public Works Standing Committee. “The majority of residents seem to favour the medium bin size, which we will take into account as we make our decisions about bin size moving forward.”

City staff conducted three focus groups with a cross section of residents prior to the launch of the public engagement process and then held 14 pop-up engagement sessions throughout the city with sample bins; participated in the home show; held meetings with a variety of committees and groups; held a technical briefing for media; and offered opportunities to provide input through engagestjohns.ca.

Over 500 people voted on bin size at the pop-up events and there were more than 4,700 visits to the online engagement page. Overall, 63 per cent of survey respondents and 58 per cent of attendees at the pop-up events preferred the medium-sized bin.

“It was reassuring to hear that many residents are looking forward to the program and expect it will have a significant impact on reducing litter,” said Mayor Danny Breen.

The automated garbage program was announced in the 2017 budget, with anticipated implementation of phase 1 in 2018.
 
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca