The Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC) is reminding Islanders that the annual fall cleanup is slated to begin November 6.
“This is the time of year when Islanders look around their barns, basements and storage areas and see what has accumulated over the summer,” said Gerry Moore, CEO of IWMC. “From the very beginning of Waste Watch, the annual cleanups have been an important part of the program. We know through the comments we receive it is a service Islanders value greatly.”
Moore said that in all regions of the province, metals will be collected the week of November 6th, and that all metal materials must be placed curbside by 7 a.m. that morning to ensure pickup. The week of November 13th will see waste collected in the Capital and West Prince Regions, while compost will be collected that week in East Prince, Central and Eastern Regions.
Compost will be collected the week of November 20th in the Capital and West Prince Regions, while East Prince, Central and Eastern Regions of the province will have waste collected that week. Again, Moore said, Islanders are asked to have their materials placed curbside on Monday at 7 a.m. of the relevant week to ensure pickup.
“Of course, there are a number of guidelines which we ask Islanders to follow when it comes to what sort of material can be accepted and how it is to be presented at curbside,” Moore said. “For anyone with questions, I would ask them to visit our website at www.iwmc.pe.ca or call our customer service staff at 1-888-280-8111. They are always ready and willing to answer any questions Islanders may have regarding any aspect of our program.”
Moore said a few simple guidelines which will ensure a smooth cleanup include:
• Multiple items (twigs, branches, tent poles, etc.) must be bundled and tied
• Each item or bundle must be less than 75 pounds or four feet or less in length, width and height
• Wood stumps larger than 15 inches in diameter, but under 75 pounds, are considered waste
• Clear bags must be used for cleanup material. Solid-coloured or blue bags will not be accepted
• Waste, metals and compost must be separate at curbside
Moore said compostables such as grass, leaves and other material, should be placed in the green compost cart, in open, rigid containers or in paper bags. Also, he said, waste items must be placed in the waste cart or in clear, transparent plastic bags. Bulk items, within guidelines, may be placed directly at curbside.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is for Islanders who may have questions about the fall clean up or the Waste Watch Program in general to call our toll-free customer service number,” Moore said. “The IWMC customer service representatives do excellent work and are highly knowledgeable. They welcome the calls of Islanders and are always pleased when they feel they have helped to make the program easier for people.”