Keep your waste collectors safe by following tips to properly sort and set out carts and bags.
The weather can present a few safety hazards for our collectors. Please do your part to help keep them safe!
Place your cart beside or in front of snowbanks/windrows, not on top of or behind them. This ensures the truck’s mechanical arm can access your cart. Leave 1 metre (3 feet) of space between your cart and the snowbank.
Make sure your cart is on solid, level ground. You don’t need to shovel down to the asphalt if the snow is compacted. Consider placing it at the end of your driveway, since this area is already cleared of snow.
Keep your cart away from downspouts and pooling water. Your cart could freeze to the ground, making it impossible to move or lift.
Prevent Food Scraps From Freezing to Your Cart
In cold weather, food scraps may sometimes freeze to your cart and remain stuck inside when tipped. The following actions can help.
- Pre-freeze your scraps. Put your food scraps pail on your doorstep for an hour before emptying it into your cart. Or pre-freeze your scraps in your freezer.
- Strain excess liquid from food. This reduces liquid that can pool in the bottom of your cart and freeze.
- Use a liner to hold your food scraps. Liners help contain moisture in winter months. Paper liners are best for the environment, while plastic liners contain moisture better.
- Store your cart outdoors when possible. Moving your cart between warm and cold temperatures increases the risk of scraps freezing to your cart.
- Loosen frozen scraps with a shovel or broom handle before setting out your cart for collection.
