Safety tips for Edmonton residents on how to properly set out their garbage to help make garbage collectors' jobs safer and easier.
A waste collector’s job is tough. Every working day your collector picks up between 16,000 and 22,000 kilograms of waste. That’s equivalent to lifting 20 to 27 smart cars a day!
Help our Collectors Stay Safe Around Ice and Snow
For your collector’s safety and your own, it is important to:
Clear your ice and snow away from your collection area, and spread sand on icy areas. You can pick up free sand at your neighbourhood's community sandbox.
Avoid placing waste on top of windrows or snow piles or slippery areas near downspouts and sump pump discharge pipes.
Move your vehicle off the street on collection day. If that’s not possible, keep your garbage and blue bags away from parked cars (two car lengths away) so collectors can easily see and access them.
If you live in a cul-de-sac, park your vehicle off the street on collection day. Snow piled in the middle of a cul-de-sac makes it difficult for your collector to access your waste.
Tips to Make Winter Waste Collection Safer
Take a Peek to See Why Collectors Need Your Help
Make it safe to reach your trash.
Keep it light.
Make it safe to Reach Your Trash
Keep it Light
Box and Label Sharps
Use the Right Can
The following tips can help keep collectors safe all year round.
Keep it light. Each bag should weigh less than 20 kg (44lb).
Make your waste accessible. Place garbage and recycling bags as close to the street or alley as possible; avoid placing waste on top of or behind dirt piles.
Box and label sharps, including glass, nails and metal scraps. Learn about safe needle disposal at edmonton.ca/needles.
If you have front street collection, park your vehicle off the street on collection day, if possible.
Use the right can. The Waste Bylaw requires that cans be less than 100 litres and have fixed, non-swiveling handles.
Use the WasteWise app to properly sort your waste. Large items and household hazardous waste belong at an Eco Station.
