MANITOUWADGE—Darren MacKenzie, director of public works and facilities informed Manitouwadge households that the city will not be placing large garbage bins out around the community, this summer.
Although this has been the practice each summer, what has affectionately been referred to as “bear bins”, Mackenzie pointed out that several concerns have been expressed about the use of these “bear bins” to help deter bears from entering the city.
MacKenzie stated that there has been mixed reaction, to their use and purpose. “As some have argued that they allow for organic waste to be placed in these bins and away from homes which can reduce bear sightings on properties, the other school of thought is that by concentrating the smells associated with these large bins, it actually brings bears into the community.”
Public Works therefore, will not be placing these bins out as in past summers, but will continue to monitor the situation and take action as needed. At the same time however, it was noted that due to the city recycling program, the amount of household waste has been reduced substantially, this year.
In an effort to ease into this change, Public Works will be offering households a free of charge organic materials drop off. “This should be more than sufficient to meet any increased organic wastes you may experience this summer,” said MacKenzie. “Every Thursday starting June 30 until Thursday, Sept. 15, you can bring one household bag of organic material to the Public Works yard located on 11 Sault Road from 9-11 a.m. and from 1-2:30 p.m. to be placed in our garbage trucks.”
With the decision to not use these “bear bins” this summer, the community’s introduction of their recycling program and offering the free drop off of organic household materials, it is hoped that bear sightings in and around the city will be at a minimum this year.