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WEST HANTS REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY REPORT
Information
Recommendation
Decision Request
Councillor Activity
To:
Committee of the Whole
Submitted by:
_________________________________
Todd Richard, Director of Public Works
Date:
September 10, 2024
Subject:
West Hants Regional Municipality Solid Waste Bylaw
LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY
Nova Scotia Municipal Government Act, Section 23 authorizes Council to make policies for
municipal purposes.
RECOMMENDATION or DECISION REQUEST
It is recommended that:
Committee of the Whole recommends to Council to approve the new West Hants
Regional Municipality Solid Waste Bylaw, as presented.
BACKGROUND
Property
Public
Opinion
Environment
Social
Economic
Councillor
Activity
Prior to consolidation, The Town of Windsor and The Municipality of the District of West Hants
each had their own Bylaws. Both sets of Bylaws were outdated and needed many updates.
Shortly after consolidation, the Waste Services Coordinator was requested to review the Town
of Windsor and the Municipality of the District of West Hants Bylaws to prepare a consolidated
Bylaw that pertains to West Hants Regional Municipality (WHRM) as a whole. As the Solid
Waste Collection Contract comes up for renewal, with a start date of April 1, 2025, now is the
ideal time to merge the two Bylaws into one.
Research began by filtering through each Bylaw to determine what information is still relevant
today and what should be removed or updated. Additional information was gathered from
other Municipal Bylaws and advice and input was received from Region 6, WHRM Bylaw
Officers as well as GFL. This proposed Solid Waste Bylaw has several amendments to better
reflect West Hants Regional Municipality as one unit, as opposed to differentiating between
communities.
DISCUSSION
As a Municipality, we create a Solid Waste Bylaw based on provincial rules and the services we
provide for curbside waste collection. The proposed Solid Waste Bylaw has been updated to
provide a consistent and equal level of service throughout the Municipality and to better reflect
its growing population and infrastructure. Additional information has been added to allow our
Bylaw Officers and Administration to do their job more efficiently, effectively and with more
clarity.
Enforcement is achieved through a combination of compliance monitoring and traditional
investigations along with an equal balance of community outreach and education. An effort was
made with this Bylaw to provide clarity to both residents (to know what behaviors and actions
are permitted) and to the municipality, allowing Administrators to know what capacity they
have to enforce order in WHRM.
To achieve clarity and to better reflect the municipality's growing population and infrastructure,
as well as committing to the province's goal of growing the circular economy, changes were
made to the consolidated Solid Waste Bylaw and are outlined in the tables below.
West Hants Services Updated in the Consolidated WHRM Bylaw
Before
After
Director of Public Works or Designate had
the ability to administer and enforce Bylaw
Administrator - A WHRM staff Member
appointed by the CAO, or a person appointed
by the Administrator as his/her designate, to
administer and enforce the provisions of the
Bylaw
A dwelling does not include a hotel, motel,
guesthouse, inn
Now clarifies that a dwelling does not include
a hotel, motel, guesthouse, inn, RV and,
depending on their structure, sea-can
containers
Garbage bag limits - 6
Garbage bag limits - 5
22. General Municipal Collection
The Municipality, its servants, agents or
independent contractors, shall provide
7.1 General Municipal Collection
The Municipality, its servants, agents, or
independent contractors, shall provide
West Hants Services Updated in the Consolidated WHRM Bylaw
Before
After
collection services to all households within
the Municipality located on highways plowed
by the Department of Transportation or the
Municipality in accordance with a schedule
approved by the Municipality from time to
time.
*Indicating that there will be no private road
collection
collection services to eligible premises within
the Municipality located on highways plowed
by the Department of Transportation or the
Municipality, in accordance with a schedule
approved by the Municipality from time to
time, and to such other premises on any
private roads as may be expressly designated
for inclusion in general municipal collection
by the Municipality.
*Indicating that private road collection may
be available to private roads that meet a
certain criteria
Eligible Premises was not defined
Eligible Premises incudes:
(a) single-family dwellings;
(b) multi-unit residential dwellings;
(c) multi-unit apartment buildings;
(d) commercial and institutional premises
generating ICI waste;
(e) municipally owned and occupied
buildings; and
(f) community group facility
Designated Christmas Tree Drop off Location
Curbside collection of Christmas trees
Solid waste shall be placed for collection by
7:00 am on the collection day.
Solid waste shall not be placed for collection
before 7:00pm on the day before or no later
than 7:00am on the collection day
Bulky items placed for collection shall not
exceed 70 kilograms in weight for any one
item and no such item shall measure greater
than 1.22 metres in width and 1.83 metres in
length.
a maximum of 1 bulky item other than white
goods not exceeding more than 75kg (165lbs)
in weight per item
Windsor Services Updated in the Consolidated WHRM Bylaw
Before
After
Maximum of 4 clear bags of garbage and 1
Privacy Black Bag
Maximum of 5 clear bags and 1 small solid-
coloured privacy bag no larger than 22 x 24
inches and may be placed in the clear bag as
above
Maximum of 4 clear bags of recyclables
a maximum of 10 clear regulation bags of
recyclables
Special Leaf & Yard Collection
No Special Leaf & Yard Waste Collection
Windsor Services Updated in the Consolidated WHRM Bylaw
Before
After
On the last Monday of every month from
April - November, Windsor Resident can
place an unlimited number of bags
containing leaves and grass clippings as well
as 2 bundles of brush (plastic or paper bags
are accepted)
a maximum of three (3) paper bags of leaf
and yard waste in addition to the organics
cart every organic collection day. One paper
bag can be swapped for 1 bundle of brush
The number of green bins for each of the
following:
a) Single unit building - 1
b) Two dwelling unit building - 1
c) Buildings with 3-5 dwelling units - 2
d) Buildings with 6-10 dwelling units - 3
e) Buildings with 10 or more dwelling units -
4
f) Mobile homes, each unit - 1
g) Commercial, institutional or industrial
properties per tenant/occupant - 1
The number of green bins for each of the
following:
a) single-unit building - 1
b) duplex building - 1 per unit
c) semi-detached-building - 1 per unit
d) manufactured home - 1 per unit
e) buildings of 3 to 6 units - 2 per building
f) buildings of 6 to 10 units - 2 per building
g) buildings of 11 to 20 units - 4 per building
h) buildings of over 20 units - 4 per building
i) senior's apts. Of more than 20 units - 4 per
building
Solid waste shall not be placed for collection
before 9:00pm on the day before or no later
than 7:30am on the collection day
Solid waste shall not be placed for collection
before 7:00pm on the day before or no later
than 7:00am on the collection day
Bulky items placed for collection shall not
exceed 70 kilograms in weight for any one
item and no such item shall measure greater
than 1.22 metres in width and 1.83 metres in
length.
a maximum of 1 bulky item other than white
goods not exceeding more than 75kg (165lbs)
in weight per item
The Province of Nova Scotia is committed to growing the circular economy (an economy with
no wasted energy or materials) by reducing the provincial solid waste disposal rate to 300 kg
per person per year by 2030. Right now, the solid waste disposal rate is about 400 kg per
person per year, so that will reduce waste by 25%. In 2022-23, WHRM was 471 kg and in 2021-
22 was 430 kg; a collaborative effort of enforcement and education will be needed to achieve
the disposal rate of 300 kg per person.
Information regarding Nova Scotia's Landfill Waste Audit 2023, showing that over half of what's
in Nova Scotia's landfills could have been recycled or composted can be found here -
https://divertns.ca/landfillaudit. Tables, specific to the GFL West Hants Landfill can be found on
page 61 & 68 of the document.
NEXT STEPS
Following an approval, updates will be made to the website as well as the 2025 Sollid Waste
Calendar reflecting the changes noted above.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
- Following adoption of the Bylaw, staff could experience more frequent phone calls; a
major change in collection can result in an increase in residents calling with questions.
- Updating Collection calendars - if not approved before creating the new calendars,
which are typically sent to the printer in November and mailed to residents in early
December.
- Ads for Newspaper.
Cost associated with updating the Bylaw are within the 2024-25 operating budget and,
depending on the timing of approval, any additional costs will be included in the 2025-26
operating budget.
ALTERNATIVES
There are no alternative recommendations.
ATTACHMENTS
A copy of the Proposed Bylaw is attached.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REVIEW
I support the recommendation.
Report Prepared by: _________________________________
Jenny LaPierre, Waste Services Coordinator
Report Approved by: _________________________________
Mark Phillips, Chief Administrative Officer
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DRAFT SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT BYLAW
WEST HANTS REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
1. The Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw passed by the Council of West Hants Regional Municipality
on __________ and published in Saltwire, a newspaper circulating in the Municipality, on
_________, together with the Resolutions of Council passed under the said Bylaw dated ________
be and are hereby repealed and the following is substituted therefor.
2. This bylaw shall be known and may be cited as the "Solid Waste Management Bylaw" of
West Hants Regional Municipality ("the Municipality").
3. DEFINITIONS
In this Bylaw the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
1) "Administrator" means a person appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer to
administer this bylaw, or a person appointed by the Administrator as his/her designate.
2) "apartment buildings" includes multi-unit buildings in which the tenure is not by lease,
such as condominiums or co-operatives.
3) "backyard composting" means composting at a residential dwelling unit of organic solid
waste comprised of yard waste and food scraps and spoiled or waste food or foodstuff
excluding meat, fish, eggs or dairy products where the waste is generated by the
residents of the dwelling unit or neighbouring dwelling units or both.
4) "boxboard" means cereal, shoe, tissue, cracker, cookie, baking product and frozen food
boxes, toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls, or other similar items.
5) "branches and limbs" include all branches, limbs, and brush less than (3ft) in length, with
individual pieces having a diameter of not more than 3 cm.
6) "bulky item" means an item or bundle other than white goods too large to fit in a
garbage bag.
7) "collectable waste" means material originating from eligible premises and placed for
collection by the owner or occupant and includes, but is not limited to, residual waste,
recyclable materials, and organic materials that are subject to sorting requirements,
volumes and restrictions located elsewhere in this Bylaw, on regularly scheduled
collection days.
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8) "collection contractor" means any company, person or persons and the agents of such
persons under contract with the Municipality to collect collectable waste from eligible
premises.
9) "collection day" means any day which is scheduled by the Municipality for municipal
collection of collectable waste.
10) "commercial container" means any container used for the storage of waste materials
placed by individuals in multi-unit buildings or commercial or institutional premises
which are eligible for municipal collection.
11) "commercial enterprise" means an enterprise which is commercially assessed for a
commercial tax rate by the Municipality, or an apartment building having one civic
address and more than six (6) units but does not include a business located in a
residential dwelling such as, but not limited to, a home occupation or a professional
office.
12) "commercial premises" means any lot of land which contains one or more commercial
enterprises.
13) "common area containers" means separate containers for the source separation of
organic materials, general recyclables, paper recyclables and residual waste and/or ICI
waste located in a common area at industrial, commercial, and institutional premises.
14) "construction and demolition waste" or "construction and demolition debris" means
material generated as a result of construction, demolition, or renovation activities and
includes but is not limited to polystyrene or fiberglass insulation, pieces of gyprock,
scrap wood and such other materials as may be permitted from time to time by
regulation of the Province of Nova Scotia for disposal at a disposal site for construction
and demolition materials.
15) "contaminated soil" means soil which:
(a) has been contaminated with and contains in excess of 2,000 parts per million of total
petroleum hydrocarbons; or
(b) has been removed from a site because of actual or suspected contamination
pursuant to a requirement or order of the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.
16) "corrugated cardboard" means a paper-based material generally consisting of a fluted
corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards. It is widely used in the manufacture of
corrugated boxes, corrugated shipping containers and other similar products.
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17) "Council" or "council" means the Council of West Hants Regional Municipality.
18) "curb" means the portion of the public road right-of-way between the travelled portion
or parking area and the property line, which parallels the street center line.
19) "dispose" includes any form of disposal and includes temporary or permanent out of
doors deposit, storage, placement, or burial regardless of whether the material in
question is in a container.
20) "dwelling" means a building, or a unit in a building, occupied or intended to be occupied
as a home, by one or more persons, and usually containing cooking, eating, living,
sleeping and sanitary facilities. This does not include a hotel, motel, guesthouse, RV, inn
and, depending on their structure, sea-can containers.
21) "electronics" means any electronic device that is acceptable under the Recycle My
Electronics program. The list of items under this category may change from time to time;
22) "eligible premises" means those properties within the Municipality which are eligible for
municipal collection as defined in Section 8 of this Bylaw.
23) "general recyclables" means materials designated by Council from time to time, which at
the time of adoption of this bylaw includes the following types of materials - glass
bottles and jars, aluminum, steel and tin cans, high-density polyethylene, low-density
polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottles, containers and bags, milk
and juice cartons, tetra packs and mini-sip containers.
24) "hauler" means any company, person or persons who transports waste materials
including, without limitation, institutional, commercial, industrial waste (ICI), solid
waste, recyclable materials, construction and demolition waste or organic materials to
waste management facilities operated by the Municipality, its contractor(s) or its agents
or to other waste management facilities approved under applicable law for disposal of
waste materials.
25) "hazardous waste" means solid or liquid waste that may be harmful to humans, animals,
plant life or natural resources including, but not restricted to, industrial chemicals, toxic,
flammable, corrosive, radioactive, pathological and PCB waste, oil, gasoline, paint
solvent, wood preservatives, ink, battery acid, pesticides, and insecticides.
26) "household hazardous waste" or "HHW" means waste-resource materials of potentially
hazardous nature generated in households including, but not restricted to, solvents,
glues, cleaners, paints and finishes, asphalt sealers, gasoline, diesel, kerosene,
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pesticides, lawn and garden chemicals, poisons, propane tanks, pool chemicals,
batteries, and automotive fluids. For the purpose of this bylaw, household hazardous
waste does not include Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), radioactive materials,
explosives, fireworks, pathological wastes, and ammunition.
27) "illegally dumped material" means the disposal or depositing of waste in any manner or
at any site other than those permitted under this Bylaw.
28) "Industrial/commercial/institutional waste" or "ICI waste" means material of similar
composition as residual waste produced by a business, institution, or industry.
29) "institutional premises" means any building exclusively used by any corporate body or
society for promoting a particular purpose on a non-profit basis and includes public
buildings.
30) "leaf and yard waste" means leaves, brush, twigs, house and garden plants, sawdust and
wood shavings or other similar items.
31) "litter" means any material left or abandoned outdoors in a place other than a
receptacle place intended or approved for receiving such material.
32) "municipal collection" means the scheduled collection of collectable waste made by or
on behalf of the Municipality, at the expense of the Municipality, for eligible premises.
33) "Municipality" or "municipality" means the West Hants Regional Municipality.
34) "non- collectable waste" means all material other than collectable waste and without
limitation includes:
(a) transient waste, meaning waste material produced outside the Municipality or
produced at a location other than the dwelling in front of which it is placed for
collection or at locations, if any, approved by the Administrator for inclusion in
private road collection;
(b) liquid waste or material that has attained a fluid consistency and has not been
drained;
(c) highly combustible or explosive materials, including without limitation, celluloid
cuttings, motion picture film, oil or gasoline-soaked rags, gas containers,
chemicals, acids or other combustible residues, fine dry sawdust, ammunition,
dynamite, or other similar material;
(d) pathogenic or biomedical material including, without limitation, dressings,
bandages or other infected material or hypodermic needles discarded in the
course of the practice of physicians, surgeons, dentists, or veterinarians;
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(e) trade waste means waste material such as pressure treated wood resulting from
construction, demolition or renovation activities other than construction and
demolition debris acceptable for disposal at construction and demolition debris
disposal sites under Provincial regulations from time to time;
(f) pathological waste means any part of the human body excepting hair and nail
clippings, any part of a dead animal infected with a communicable disease and
non-anatomical waste infected with a communicable disease;
(g) waste listed or characterized as hazardous by this bylaw or by any federal or
provincial law;
(h) sheet iron, large pieces of scrap metal or machine parts, automobile parts, fuel
tanks and bodies;
(i) septic tank pumpings, raw sewage or industrial sludge;
(j) radioactive materials;
(k) soil, rock, and stumps from land clearing, or contaminated soils from
environmental remediation activities;
(l) industrial waste material from factories or other manufacturing processes;
(m) manure, kennel waste, excreta, fish processing waste;
(n) waste material from commercial containers;
(o) lead-acid automotive batteries and propane tanks;
(p) waste material which has not been placed for collection in accordance with the
provisions of this Bylaw; and
(q) materials banned from landfill disposal by provincial statute and regulations as
amended from time to time unless such materials are recyclable materials or
organic materials lawfully placed for collection from eligible premises.
35) "occupant" includes any person who occupies a building or a property, the owner or
personal representative of the owner, within the Municipality.
36) "organics collection cart", "cart" or "green cart" means a cart supplied to eligible
premises by the Municipality for curbside collection of organic materials.
37) "organic materials" or "organic waste" means food waste, leaf and yard waste, soiled
boxboard, soiled non-recyclable paper (wet or contaminated), bags designed for sugar,
flour, and potatoes, branches and bushes, natural Christmas trees without decorations
and stands and other material of plant or animal origin as designated by Council from
time to time and not excluded as non-collectable waste by this Bylaw.
38) "owner" includes:
(a) a part owner, joint owner, tenant in common or joint tenant of the whole or any
part of land or a building;
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(b) in the case of the absence or incapacity of the person having title to the land or
building, a trustee, an executor, a guardian, an agent, a mortgagee in possession
or a person having the care and control of the land or building;
(c) a person who occupies shores, beaches, or shoals; and
(d) in absence of proof to the contrary, the person assessed for the property.
39) "paper recyclables" or "paper" means materials designated by Council from time to
time, which at the time of adoption of this Bylaw includes boxboard, mixed paper,
newsprint, magazines, catalogues, flyers, telephone and other soft cover books and egg
cartons.
40) "privacy bag" means a small solid-coloured plastic garbage bag or a single container
pursuant to Section 10.2.a.4.
41) "private roads" means roads, including privately owned roads or roads not maintained
by the government owner, where the Municipality's collection contractor does not travel
down the road and provide curbside collection services, unless otherwise approved by
the Municipality. For private roads not approved, they will receive all eligible collection
limits at the nearest public road, as outlined in Section 12 of this Bylaw.
42) "recyclable material" or "recyclables" means general recyclables and paper recyclables
as defined in this Bylaw.
43) "regulation bag or container" means a bag, container or bundle which meets the
specifications and other requirements for the same in relation to specific waste types as
outlined in Section 10 or otherwise approved by the Municipality.
44) "residual solid waste" or "residual waste" means household waste except:
(a) recyclables;
(b) organic solid waste and food;
(c) non-collectable waste or waste subject to special collection;
(d) waste placed for collection that does not meet the requirements of this Bylaw,
including limitations on the size, weight, volume, bagging, packaging or bundling
or which is otherwise placed for collection contrary to this Bylaw; and
(e) hazardous waste.
45) "single-family dwelling" means a dwelling as defined herein occupied by a single-family
unit and includes a mobile home and a dwelling within a multi-unit residential dwelling,
such as a duplex, rowhouse or townhouse.
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46) "solid waste" or "waste" includes recyclables, compostables, residual waste,
construction and demolition waste, leaf and yard waste, contaminated soil and any
other waste or discarded tangible personal property.
47) "special collection" means a Municipal collection scheduled by the Administrator for a
specific waste which can include but is not limited to Christmas Tree Collection, Leaf &
Yard Waste Collection, large item and/or white goods Collection.
48) "storage box" or "storage container" means an outdoor storage box or container
acceptable for storing regulation bags or containers for solid waste provided they meet
the specifications set out in Section 10.
49) "unit" means a self-contained portion of a building occupied as a separate residence or
business.
50) "waste management facility" or "waste disposal facility" means any of the facilities for
the management of aggregated ICI waste, residual waste, recyclable materials, and
organic materials operated by the Municipality, its contractors, or its agents.
51) "white goods" includes any large household appliance, including but not limited to
refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, stoves, washers, and dryers.
52) "yard waste" means vegetative matter resulting from gardening, horticulture,
landscaping, or land clearing operations, including material such as a tree, shrub
trimmings, plant remains, grass clippings, and leaves, but not including construction and
demolition waste or contaminated organic matter.
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4. THE ADMINISTRATOR
1) The Administrator shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Bylaw and, for this
purpose, may:
(a) divide the Municipality into areas for the purposes of collection of collectable waste
from eligible premises on various days of the week;
(b) designate a particular day of the week for collection of collectable waste, or a type or
types of collectable waste, in each designated collection area;
(c) alter the boundaries of areas as deemed necessary on reasonable notice to the public;
(d) administer and liaise with any collection contractor who may be hired by the
Municipality to carry out the collection of collectable waste within the Municipality;
(e) assign organics collection carts to eligible premises;
(f) determine the frequency of collection of collectable waste in each designated collection
area of the Municipality;
(g) designate the conditions and guidelines relating to the acceptance of waste materials at
waste management facilities;
(h) determine the number, frequency, and type of special collections;
(i) provide any further directions required from time to time in order to implement this
Bylaw and the waste collection policies or resolutions of Council from time to time; and
(j) enter on, inspect or pass over any property to which this Bylaw applies, without being
liable for trespassing and without the owner of the property having the right to object,
to determine:
a. the extent, if any, to which an offense has been committed; and
b. the cause, if any, to the offense which has been committed.
5. MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY
1) The solid waste management facility for the Municipality shall be the facility or facilities
designated by resolution of Council of the Municipality from time to time.
2) The Municipality may, in its sole discretion, refuse any waste if, in the opinion of the Waste
Facility Operator or the Administrator, the quantity or type of material being delivered to
the Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility exceeds the Facility's capacity or is
otherwise unacceptable.
3) No person shall deposit or cause to be deposited at the Municipal Solid Waste Management
Facility material other than acceptable waste pursuant to this Bylaw and acceptable by the
Waste Facility Operator.
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4) Any person delivering or placing waste at a Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility
must do so in accordance with this Bylaw and instructions from the Waste Facility Operator.
5) No person shall deposit waste at, in or adjacent to the Municipal Solid Waste Management
Facility when it is closed or when the Waste Facility Operator or Staff have refused to accept
or permit the deposit of such waste.
6) No person shall deposit or cause to be deposited at the Municipal Solid Waste Management
Facility any solid waste which has not been separated in accordance with this Bylaw or any
solid waste which is misleadingly packaged or presented, or which is concealed or
intermingled with waste of another type or place of origin.
7) Any person delivering or placing solid waste at a Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility
does so at their own risk.
8) No person shall remove solid waste from a Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility
unless authorized by the Waste Facility Operator.
9) Any person having any questions or complaints about the operation of the Municipal Solid
Waste Management Facility shall direct their questions and complaints to the Waste Facility
Operator.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROPERTY OWNERS AND OCCUPANTS
1) Every owner or occupant shall:
(a) ensure solid waste does not accumulate on or around the property including uncollected
solid waste other than in a storage container or in a collection box which meets
requirements outlined elsewhere in this Bylaw and where an owner or occupant permits
the accumulation of solid waste contrary to the Bylaw, the Administrator may order the
owner or occupant to dispose of it lawfully, failing to do so may result in the
Municipality's employees or agents to enter the property to collect and dispose of the
accumulated solid waste, the expense of which will be charged to the owner or
occupant, as a first lien collectable as a tax . Chargeable costs associated with cleanup
may include contractor expenses, staff labour, fuel and tipping fees;
(b) Ensure the proper preparation and disposal of all solid waste in accordance with this
Bylaw;
(c) use only regulation bags and containers for the storing and placement for collection of
collectable waste:
i.
maintain such regulation bags and containers in good repair and in sanitary
condition; and
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ii.
ensure that each regulation bag and container is covered and secured at all times
except when being emptied or filled.
(d) shall provide sufficient and adequate storage for solid waste which may accumulate from
time to time on the property, including:
i.
ensuring recyclables and residual waste regulation bags are stored inside buildings
or in storage containers that are waterproof and impervious to domestic and wild
animals and rodents, and which are designed and constructed to prevent the
entrapment of children; and
ii.
ensuring all storage containers can be opened from the inside at all times by
children.
(e) clean up any type of solid waste which has escaped from its regulation bag or container;
(f) separate solid waste at the time of placement for collection and disposal
into uncontaminated separate solid waste categories as follows:
i.
compostables;
ii.
general recyclables;
iii.
paper recyclables;
iv.
residual waste;
v.
residential home renovation waste materials if and to the extent these may from
time to time be permitted to be collected by the Municipality; and
vi.
separation of solid waste acceptable only on special collections or by express
approval by the Administrator for things such as bulky items, white goods, or HHW.
(g) where reasonably possible, ensure that collectable waste remains indoors, or behind or
beside the main building on the eligible premises except on collection day and is kept in
a manner that discourages interference by vermin and wild or domestic animals;
(h) place dangerous material such as broken glass, broken crockery, and sharp metal in a
sealed box or bucket, and shall be clearly and adequately identified;
(i) contract with a hauler, at their own expense, to provide, or may themselves provide, for
the removal of all solid waste larger in volume, weight, size or quantity and/or for more
frequent collection than is provided by the Municipality. It is further mandated that any
excess residual solid waste that accumulates on the property shall be collected or
disposed of at a minimum frequency of once every 14 days; and
(j) shall be responsible for separation and lawful disposal of non- collectable materials at a
lawful disposal site.
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7. GENERAL MUNICIPAL COLLECTION
1) The Municipality, its servants, agents, or independent contractors, shall provide collection
services to eligible premises within the Municipality located on highways plowed by the
Department of Transportation or the Municipality, in accordance with a schedule approved
by the Municipality from time to time, and to such other premises on any private roads as
may be expressly designated for inclusion in general municipal collection by the
Municipality.
2) The Administrator or their Designate may refuse to collect containers which have not been
adequately drained of liquid or which are wet or the contents of which are of fluid
consistency.
8. ELIGIBLE PREMISES
1) Eligible premises which have been granted an occupancy permit by the Municipality shall
include:
(a) single-family dwellings, including mobile homes or grouped single-family dwellings
on a lot;
(b) multi-unit residential dwellings that constitute a unit in a duplex, rowhouse or
townhouse dwelling having street or road frontage;
(c) multi-unit apartment buildings;
(d) commercial and institutional premises generating ICI waste;
(e) municipally owned and occupied buildings such as municipal offices, municipal pool,
municipal water treatment facilities, etc.; and
(f) community group facility, where physical premises are occupied for the purpose of
supporting community activities.
2) Owners and occupants of properties not defined herein as eligible premises shall not place
any waste materials at the curbside of such properties, or elsewhere except as expressly
permitted by this bylaw or by the Municipality, for municipal collection.
3) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8 of this bylaw, where a property of the type
listed in clauses (a) to (f) of subsection 8 (1) does not qualify as eligible premises solely
because the premises are not occupied, the owner of the said premises may place waste
materials originating from the same premises at the curbside for municipal collection if
authorized by the Administrator.
9. COLLECTABLE MATERIAL - PREPARATION AND RESTRICTIONS
1) No person shall place or caused to be placed out for municipal collection any solid waste
except in accordance with the following:
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a) For any one eligible premise under section 8(1)(a) or (b) waste shall be placed for any
one collection day only in accordance with the following limits or conditions:
i) a maximum of five (5) residual waste regulation bags;
ii) a maximum of one (1) bulky item other than white goods not exceeding more than
75kg (165lbs) in weight per item;
iii) a maximum of ten (10) regulation bags of recyclables;
iv) one (1) organics cart of organic waste;
v) a bundle of brush not exceeding 25kg (55lbs) in weight per bundle, no longer than
4ft (1.2m) and no bigger than 3 cm in diameter;
vi) a bundle of cardboard not exceeding 22kg (48lbs) in weight and no bigger than 1ft x
2ft x 3ft;
vii) paper recyclables must be placed in separate watertight transparent blue bags or
clear transparent bags, except corrugated cardboard, which may be placed in
securely tied bundles not greater than 2 ft x 3 ft x 8 in; and
viii) a maximum of three (3) paper bags of leaf and yard waste in addition to the organics
cart.
b) In the case of placement for municipal collection of white goods containing refrigerant
gas (or CFCs), the following items must have such gas (or CFCs) removed and display a
sticker issued by the appropriate authority indicating that the refrigerant gas (or CFCs)
have been removed before they are eligible for special collection:
i) refrigerators
ii) freezers
iii) air conditioning units
iv) dehumidifiers
c) Where the Municipality establishes a separate collection of white goods, special
collections will have limits and specifications as may be determined and publicized by
the Municipality's Administrator.
d) Where the Municipality establishes a separate collection of organic materials such as
Christmas trees or leaf and yard waste, special collections will have limits and
specifications as may be determined and publicized by the Municipality's Administrator.
e) No person shall place or cause to be placed for municipal collection any non- collectable
waste or material banned from disposal by provincial regulations.
10. REGULATION BAGS AND CONTAINERS FOR MUNICIPAL COLLECTION
1) The owner or occupant of each eligible premise shall be responsible for containing
designated collectable waste to prevent the escape of waste materials into the
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environment. The owner or occupant of each eligible premises is responsible to gather
waste material placed for collection in front of the eligible property that has escaped from
its container onto public or private property.
2) Only plastic bags and containers which meet the following specifications and requirements
shall be utilized for the purposes of general municipal collection:
a) Residual waste regulation bags:
Only the following residual waste regulation bags shall be used:
i.
Residual waste must be placed in watertight clear transparent bags with an
overall length of not more than 3.28 ft (1 m) when empty and requires sufficient
thickness to prevent breakage, tearing or splitting upon collection.
ii.
the filled bags are not to exceed 22 kg (48 lbs.) in weight.
iii.
all material must be securely contained to prevent material from escaping into
the environment.
iv.
the filled bags shall not enclose other filled bags, and its contents shall be
reasonably visible without the bag being opened except:
(a) one small solid-coloured privacy bag no larger than 22 x 24 inches and may
be placed in the clear bag as above;
(b) medical containers provided by the Municipality; and
(c) boxed and labelled broken glass or sharp metal pieces.
b) Recyclable materials regulation bags
Only the following recyclable materials regulation bags shall be used:
i.
general recyclables must be placed in watertight transparent blue bags or clear
transparent bags with an overall length of not more than 3.28 ft (1 m) when
empty and requires sufficient thickness to prevent breakage, tearing or splitting
upon collection;
ii.
paper recyclables must be placed in separate watertight transparent blue bags or
clear transparent bags, except corrugated cardboard, which may be placed in
securely tied bundles not greater than 2 ft x 3 ft x 8 in;
iii.
the weight of each bag, including contents, placed for recyclable materials
collection must not exceed 22 kg (48 lbs.);
iv.
all material must be securely contained to prevent material from escaping into
the environment;
v.
the filled bags shall not enclose other filled bags, and its contents shall be
reasonably visible without the bag being opened; and
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vi.
general recyclables and paper recyclables must be separated into separate bags
for collection.
c) Compostable materials regulation containers
Only the following compostable materials regulation containers shall be used:
i.
organics collection carts as assigned to eligible premises by the Municipality as
per Section 11 of this bylaw; and
ii.
subject to the limits in this bylaw, excess leaf and yard waste material may be
placed out for collection in paper bags, except branches or limbs that may be
placed in securely tied bundles not exceeding 25kg (55lbs) in weight per bundle,
no longer than 4ft (1.2m) and no bigger than 3 cm in diameter.
11. ORGANIC COLLECTION CARTS
1. Every owner or occupant of eligible premises shall be provided with one or more organic
carts from the Municipality for the storage and disposal of organic waste generated from
their premises in accordance with subsection 3 of this section.
2. To comply with the preceding section, an organic cart shall:
a) be assigned by the Municipality;
b) remain on the property for which it was assigned and shall remain on the property when
a householder sells a property;
c) maintain the organic cart in good repair and sanitary condition;
d) be replaced or repaired at the owner or occupant's expense, to which the cart was
assigned due to misuse, alterations or abuse;
e) make the cart assigned to the eligible premises available to the Municipality or its
contractors or agents within a reasonable time frame upon request for inspection or
repair purposes or for identification of the serial number;
f) owners of eligible premises are responsible for the cart(s) assigned to the premises and
used by tenants who are renting or leasing the premises;
g) except as authorized by the Administrator, no person shall restrict the lid of an organics
collection cart on collection day including using bungee cords, chains, rope, or another
locking device; and
h) any restraints that are used on a lid of an organics collection cart must be removed the
morning of collection by the owner.
3. Every owner or occupant of the following types of eligible premises shall be provided by the
Municipality, a maximum number of organic carts as outlined below. In all cases the building
owners are to ensure adequate number of organic carts are provided. In the case of multi-
unit buildings, if the number of bins provided is not sufficient for the waste accumulated by
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residents, the property owner will be required to provide additional commercial containers
at their own expense.
a) single-unit building
(1) green cart per dwelling unit
b) duplex building
(1) green cart per each unit
c) semi-detached-building
(1) green cart per each unit
d) manufactured home
(1) green cart per unit
e) buildings of 3 to 6 units
(2) green cart per building
f) buildings of 6 to 10 units
(2) green carts per building
g) buildings of 11 to 20 units
(4) green carts per building
h) buildings of over 20 units
(4) green carts per building
i) senior's apts. Of more than 20 units
(4) green carts per building
12. PLACEMENT OF MATERIALS
1) All solid waste to be collected by the Municipality shall be accessible to the contractor
within three (3) meters (9.8 ft) of the curb or other such location, which may be required
from time to time. Solid waste is to be placed directly in front of, where possible, and on the
same side of the street from which the waste was generated and is not to interfere with
pedestrian or vehicular traffic and snow removal.
2) Organics collection carts must be placed at the curb in an upright position with the lid closed
and shall not be stored inside a container or box, unless the cart can be wheeled out
without lifting, or is removed from the container or box by the owner for collection.
3) A property that does not abut a public listed and maintained road and are located on private
roads that are not approved for curbside collection, the owner shall transport eligible solid
waste to the nearest public listed and maintained road for collection, unless the
Municipality directs otherwise.
4) No person shall place, or caused to be placed outdoor, roadside storage boxes or containers
other than one which meets the following specifications:
a) constructed of wood, metal, plastic or other impermeable material which is inaccessible
to pests, rodent, vermin, birds or animals;
b) are affixed with a lid weighing not more than 5 kg/11lbs. and, except as authorized by
the Administrator, shall not have their opening restricted by bungee cords, chains, rope,
or another locking device;
c) shall be maintained in a neat and sanitary condition and kept in good repair;
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d) white goods, such as a discarded refrigerator or freezer shall not be permitted to be
used as an outdoor roadside storage box or container for storing solid waste and nor
shall white goods be placed within roadside storage boxes or containers;
e) where multiple dwellings use the storage container, all civic numbers must be posted on
it to ensure that solid waste curbside limits are met;
f) shall be located and positioned no more than 9.8ft (3 m) from the travelled portion of
the road or as directed by the Municipality and in a manner as to not interfere with
traffic, pedestrians or snow removal;
g) the immediate vicinity of the container shall be kept neat and free of any solid waste;
h) the bin shall be accessible all year round by keeping vegetation trimmed, snow removed
from the lid and path to the bin cleared; and
i) There shall be no loose solid waste stored in any container.
5) Owners shall maintain the area between the curb or edge of the travelled way and their
property line free from garbage, waste, or debris.
13. COLLECTION TIMES & FREQUENCIES
1) The following provisions apply to municipal collection times and frequencies:
a) Collection will commence at 7:00 am in all areas of the Municipality, except where
circumstances warrant from time to time;
b) No owner shall permit solid waste to remain in front of the building or adjacent to or
curbside except between 7:00 p.m. the day prior to collection and 9:00 pm the day of
collection;
c) Collection shall occur bi-weekly and may alternate or have material collected the same
day. The current collection schedule shall determine what materials are collected on
which day;
d) When a regularly scheduled day for collection falls on a Federal, Provincial or Civic
holiday, the collection may be modified to occur on an alternate day as designated by
the Administrator;
e) No person shall permit any materials or rejected waste to remain at the collection spot
after 9:00 p.m. on the day of collection unless otherwise directed by the Administrator
or its contractors; and
f) Free-standing collection containers used to store residual waste and recyclable waste
bags, and organic collection carts must be removed from curbside by 7:00 a.m. of the
following day.
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14. INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, INSTITUTIONAL OR CONSTRUCTION WASTE
1) The owner or occupant of any premise which generates the following waste shall, either
personally, by employees, contractors, or agents, and in compliance with all applicable
Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws, promptly remove and dispose of such waste at their
own expense:
a) all waste generated by any industrial, commercial, or institutional premises, facility, or
operation which is not expressly made eligible for municipal collection and properly
placed for collection pursuant to this Bylaw; and
b) all construction and demolition waste of any kind, including from renovation or repair.
2) The property owner of an industrial, commercial, or institutional premises shall ensure that:
a) adequate space is provided on the premises to accommodate commercial containers for
the collection of source-separated ICI waste, organic materials and recyclable materials
generated at the premises. For recyclable materials, adequate space shall be provided to
maintain general recyclables, paper recyclables and corrugated cardboard all separate
from each other; and
b) signage of sufficient size is to be posted to provide occupants with specific recycling and
organics instructions for proper sorting of general recyclables, paper recyclables (i.e.,
paper separate from general recyclables), corrugated cardboard and organic materials.
Signage for the sorting of this waste is to be located within 3 metres of the container(s).
i) the location of the commercial container(s) for general recyclables, paper recyclables
and organic materials shall be within 3 metres of the container(s) for ICI waste;
or
ii) signage is posted adjacent to the commercial container(s) for ICI waste directing
persons to the location of the commercial containers on the premises for general
recyclables, paper recyclables, corrugated cardboard, and organic materials.
3) The occupant of an industrial, commercial, or institutional premises shall:
a) source-separate all waste generated in the occupant's unit or portion of the building at
the point of generation into ICI waste, organic materials, general recyclables, paper
recyclables and corrugated cardboard; to comply with the provincial disposal bans and
to facilitate their recycling, composting or disposal in accordance with the Municipality's
waste resource management system; and
b) place for collection source-separated material in commercial containers in accordance
with Section 15 (1) at the storage areas on the property as designated by the property
owner.
4) At industrial, commercial, and institutional premises where the public is responsible for
depositing waste materials such as an enclosed or exterior shopping centre, mall, food
court, quick service restaurant, sports arena, office complex or other commercial premises,
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the property owner will provide common area containers for source-separation of waste.
15. COMMERCIAL CONTAINERS
1) The following provisions apply to commercial containers:
a) Every owner or occupant of property or premises serviced by commercial containers for
storage and collection of solid waste shall ensure such containers meet the following
requirements:
i) containers shall be sturdily constructed, waterproof and impervious to domestic and
wild animals and rodents;
ii) containers shall be equipped with tight-fitting lids with a positive closing device and
kept closed except during loading or unloading;
iii) containers shall be designed and constructed to prevent entrapment of children;
iv) containers shall be kept clean and in a good state of repair;
v) containers shall be kept inside, behind or beside the building they service so as to
reduce their visibility from the street, unless otherwise arranged with the
Administrator;
vi) containers shall be kept no less than 1.5 metres from the building they service and
not less than 1.5 metres from any property line of an abutting property containing a
residential dwelling unit;
vii) containers shall be placed only on hard, level, weather-resistant surfaces;
viii) containers shall not be loaded in a manner which permits waste to extend beyond
the internal volume of the container when the lid is closed;
ix) the area surrounding the container shall be kept free from litter and waste;
x) the container shall be emptied when full or at least every 30 days;
xi) has displayed thereon the following message "GARBAGE" or "WASTE" or "REFUSE",
where ICI waste or residual waste is to be deposited in the commercial container;
xii) has displayed thereon the following message "RECYCLABLES" or "GENERAL
RECYCLABLES" or "BLUE BAG RECYCLABLES", where general recyclables are to be
deposited in the commercial container;
xiii) has displayed thereon the following message "PAPER" or "PAPER RECYCLING" where
paper is to be deposited in the commercial container, and has displayed thereon the
following message "CARDBOARD ONLY" or "CARDBOARD" where corrugated
cardboard is to be deposited in the commercial container;
xiv) has displayed thereon the following message "ORGANICS" or "COMPOST", where
organic materials are to be deposited in the commercial container.
2) A commercial container used during construction or repair work need not comply with
Paragraphs (v) to (vii) of this Section for temporary periods of not more than 6 months or
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until the completion of the construction or repair work, whichever is sooner.
3) No person shall place waste in any commercial container without permission of the owner
of the container.
4) The owner of any industrial, commercial, or institutional premises shall ensure that
commercial containers on the premises:
a) accommodate source-separated waste generated at that location;
b) are designed and constructed such that the waste (i.e., ICI waste, organic materials,
general recyclables, paper recyclables and corrugated cardboard) remains in a source-
separated condition; and
c) are easily accessible to the occupants.
16. TRANSPORTATION OF WASTE
1) All vehicles carrying waste materials shall:
a) do so in a sanitary manner; any fluid matter shall be transported in watertight containers
having tight-fitting covers.
b) have a tailgate or other restraining device and be closed-in or equipped with a tarpaulin
or equivalent cover device which shall be used to cover the solid waste while it's being
transported.
c) be transported in such a manner that materials shall not spill or scatter from the vehicle
containing the same. In the event of any spillage, the vehicle operator shall be
responsible for the clean-up, which shall be undertaken immediately.
d) Comply with the Motor Vehicle Act and any other regulations or legislation in effect from
time to time.
e) If used in the collection of more than one type of waste, be constructed to prevent
cross-contamination between the various waste streams.
f) Be maintained in good condition and be properly manned and equipped to ensure safe
collection of solid waste.
2) All solid waste collected through private collections, and which is to be delivered to the
Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility, shall be in compliance with the Regulations
publicized by the operator of the facility regarding acceptance and receipt of solid waste.
3) The Administrator may inspect contracted waste vehicles used for the collection or carriage
of waste materials at all reasonable times to ensure compliance with this Bylaw.
4) All private collection of any solid waste shall be made directly to the collection vehicle from
the premises where the same was generated.
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17. HAZARDOUS WASTE
1) Every owner or occupant, including the owners and occupants of IC&I properties, shall
store hazardous waste generated by the same in a safe and secure manner and shall
deliver same, as soon as is reasonably possible, to an approved hazardous waste depot.
2) No person shall dispose of, or cause or permit the disposal of, household hazardous
waste at any location within the Municipality, other than a Hazardous Waste Depot.
18. PROHIBITIONS
1) No person except collection contractors or authorized haulers in doing so within the scope
of their authority shall:
a) pick over, remove, disturb, or otherwise interfere with any waste material that has been
set out by other persons for municipal collection;
b) collect waste material placed by other persons for municipal collection; or
c) remove a container or organics collection cart placed by other persons at curbside.
2) No person shall dispose of any type of solid waste by the burning of the same.
3) Where an owner or occupier properly places any authorized form of solid waste out for
collection by the Region's contractor the said solid waste becomes the property of the
Municipality.
4) No person shall pick over, remove, collect, disturb, or otherwise interfere with any type of
solid waste or regulation container which has been placed in an approved storage container.
19. ILLEGALLY DUMPED MATERIAL
1) No person shall dispose, cause or permit the disposal of solid waste at any place in the
Municipality other than at an approved Solid Waste Management Facility designated for the
applicable type of solid waste or any other site authorized by the Municipality or the
Province of Nova Scotia for that purpose.
2) With the exception of the placement of solid waste for collection in accordance with this
bylaw, the delivery of designated electronic products, household hazardous waste to depots,
or other disposals allowed for in this bylaw, no person shall dispose, cause, or permit the
disposal of solid waste, bulky waste or non-collectable waste at any location or manner in
the municipality except as follows:
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(a) the backyard composting of organic solid waste;
(b) the unconcentrated deposit and distribution of waste trees and brush or portions
thereof or of other organic farm or forestry waste for disposal by decay, on one's own
forest or farmland property;
(c) the spreading of fertilizer or composted organic waste on farmlands; or
(d) the nuisance-free deposit and disposal of aggregate, soil, bricks, mortar, concrete,
asphalt, pavement, porcelain, or ceramic materials as fill provided. However, nothing in
this paragraph creates an exception to the dangerous or unsightly premises provisions of
the Municipal Government Act.
3) No person shall dispose of, cause or permit the disposal of, or place for collection, solid
waste on a property except as both authorized by this bylaw and by the owner or occupier
of that property.
4) No person shall dispose of, cause or permit the disposal of, any non-collectable waste or
rejected waste in, at or near a container or box for storage of solid waste or the collection
placement spot for another owner or occupant.
5) Proof that any type of solid waste, which was disposed of in contravention of this Bylaw,
originated from a particular person, from the residence of a particular person, or from a
particular premises shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be evidence sufficient for a
court to infer that the said person - or the owner or occupant of said residence or premises
- was the person who disposed of that solid waste, or portion of same, or caused or
permitted it to be disposed of.
20. TIPPING FEES
1) Waste delivered to the Solid Waste Management Facility shall be subject to tipping fees as
set by the Operator of the Facility, as agreed by the Administrator, from time to time.
21. ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
1) A person who:
a) violates a provision of this Bylaw or of a directive, authorization or order issued in
accordance with this Bylaw;
b) fails to do anything required by this Bylaw or of a directive, authorization or order issued
in accordance with this Bylaw;
c) permits anything to be done in violation of this Bylaw or of a directive, authorization or
order issued in accordance with this Bylaw; or
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d) obstructs or hinders any person in the performance of their duties under this Bylaw or a
directive, authorization or order issued in accordance with this Bylaw, is guilty of an
offence.
2) Every person convicted of an offence is punishable on summary conviction and are liable for
fines of not more than $2,000, to imprisonment for up to six (6) months, or both a fine and
imprisonment.
3) Each day that a person commits an offence under this Bylaw constitutes a separate offence.
4) In addition to any fine or imprisonment imposed pursuant to subsection (2) or subsection
(3), the Court may order the person convicted to pay all expenses incurred in correcting the
contravention of the bylaw or any damages associated with such contravention.
22. ADMINISTRATIVE TICKETING
1) In lieu of prosecution under this Bylaw, the Municipality may, in its sole and absolute
discretion, issue to any person it believes upon reasonable grounds has committed an
offence under Section 21(1) of this Bylaw, a Notice of Violation, which Notice shall require
the person to whom it is directed to pay to the Municipality within 14 days of the issuance
of the Notice the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) for contravention of
Section 21(1) of this Bylaw, provided that such person has removed the illegally dumped
solid waste and cleaned up and restored the site to the satisfaction of the Director of Public
works or his/her Designate, and further provided that no person, animal or property was
injured or damaged by such illegal dumping, and if the person pays within the said time,
they shall thereby avoid prosecution for that contravention.
2) Nothing in this Bylaw requires the Municipality to issue a Notice of Violation in lieu of
initiating a prosecution in relation to an alleged violation.