Garages and storage areas are being cleaned out across Prince Edward Island in anticipation of the annual IWMC residential spring cleanup, slated to begin the week of May 7.
IWMC CEO Gerry Moore says a number of guidelines are in place to allow the process to go as smoothly as possible. For example, he said, compostable materials such as grass and leaves should be placed either in a compost cart, in open, rigid containers or in paper bags.
As well, he said, waste items must be placed in the waste cart, in rigid containers or in clear, transparent bags. Bulk items, which are within guidelines, may be placed directly at curbside.
“Multiple items such as twigs and branches must be bundled and tied,” Mr. Moore said. “Each individual item or bundle must be less than 75 pounds and be less than four feet in length. We also ask that people not use solid-coloured or blue plastic bags for cleanup material.”
Mr. Moore said that people must also place their cleanup material at or adjacent to their own curbside.
“In the past, there have been instances where a stack of waste appears on a street or in a rural area and others simply add their material onto that pile,” he said. “It is very important that each property owner take responsibility for their own waste and keep their pile separate from others.”
Mr. Moore said construction and demolition waste will not be collected during the cleanup.
Other materials not collected during the spring cleanup, including large household items such as appliances, furniture, mattresses, etc., household hazardous waste and tires removed from rims can be taken to any Waste Watch Drop-Off Centre free of charge.
“We ask that Islanders have their cleanup material curbside by 7 a.m. Monday of the relevant week,” Mr. Moore said.
The schedule of the spring cleanup begins the week of May 7, with metals being collected in all regions of the province. The week of May 14 will see waste collected in the Capital and West Prince regions, while compostable materials will be collected in East Prince, Central and Eastern regions. The week of May 21 will see compost collected in the Capital and West Prince regions, while waste will be collected in the East Prince, Central and Eastern Regions.
“We at IWMC continue to be impressed by the commitment Islanders have shown when it comes to following the guidelines of the Waste Watch program,” Mr. Moore said. “We are continually striving to offer the best possible service to Islanders. If they have any questions regarding the residential spring cleanup, I urge them to call our customer service office toll free at 1-888-280-8111 or visit our website at www.iwmc.pe.ca.