Niagara Region unveils new natural gas-powered garbage trucks headed for West Niagara communities

GFi garbage truck GFL Environmental natural gas powered trucks that will serve West Niagara communities

Niagara Region provided a sneak peak today of the new garbage trucks powered by compressed natural gas that will roll into West Niagara communities starting Oct. 19.

“This is the first waste collection contractor to ever run on natural gas in Niagara,” says Catherine Habermebl, Director of Niagara Region Waste Management Services. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to see one of our contractors show the dedication and commitment to the environment that we are projecting into our new campaign and collection changes.”​

Contractor GFL Environmental will be deploying trucks running on compressed natural gas (CNG). The fuel emits less CO2 than diesel and gasoline and wastes less fuel.

GFL handles curbside collection in Grimsby Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Wainfleet, and West Lincoln.

The vehicles, displaying new graphics for the Region’s “Box it. Bin it. Sort it.” campaign, were unveiled today at GFL’s yard in St. Catharines by Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley and several Niagara region officials.

Miller Waste Systems, which will handle curbside collection in communities not covered by GFL, unveiled their fleet on Sept. 23. (See related story.)

GFL will be occupying the yard at 411 Glendale Ave. in St. Catharines. A site across the street, at 416 Glendale Ave. will be equipped with compressed natural gas fuel rails. The compressed natural gas is delivered by a Fort Erie-based provider ComTech Energy.

“GFL is proud to be a partner to the Niagara Region and our team is excited and ready to bring our superior customer service to the community”, said Patrick Dovigi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GFL. “Since our inception in 2007, sustainability has been a key focus for GFL and we are committed to investing in innovative and sustainable solutions.”

He said 31 new CNG trucks will support the region in reaching its sustainability goals.

Every-other-week garbage collection

Starting Oct. 19, and coinciding with Canada’s Waste Reduction Week, garbage will be collected every-other-week in an effort to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and increase the amount of recyclables and organics diverted from households and businesses.

Recycling and organics will continue to be collected weekly. In addition to every-other-week garbage collection, Niagar residents will see a four-item limit on large household item collection and the discontinuation of curbside appliance/scrap metal collection. More information on the waste collection changes can be found online.

How to prepare for the changes

Here are some tips on how you can prepare for the new waste collection schedule.

New Waste Collection App: Download the Niagara Region Waste app for Apple orAndroid smartphones. In the mobile app, you will find the garbage/recycling collection schedule specific to your address, with the ability to sign up and receive a collection day reminder. As part of signing up for a reminder, you will also receive updates in case of collection changes or delays.

Get a Green Bin: Order a green bin if you do not already have one. 50 per cent of what is typically disposed of in a garbage bag can go into the green in. They will continue to be collected weekly. Putting food waste in a green bin will avoid potential issues with odours and pests that may occur if it sits in the garbage for two weeks.

Diaper waste: Eligible residents who dispose of diaper waste or waste generated due to a medical condition can register for weekly pickup if they cannot fit this waste into the two bag or can garbage collection limit every-other-week, and are unable to hold onto this waste for a two-week period.

Weekly collection: With the collection changes coming into effect the week of Oct. 19, residents will receive a weekly collection of their recyclables – Blue Box, Grey Box Green Bin and leaf and yard waste, and garbage collection will start on its schedule of alternating weeks:

  • ​The week of Oct. 19 residents in Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, St. Catharines, Thorold, Wainfleet and West Lincoln will receive garbage collection.
  • The week of Oct. 26 residents in Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne and Welland will receive garbage collection. There will be no garbage collection the week of Oct. 19 for these residents.
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