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
The summer months can present a few safety hazards for our collectors. Please do your part to help keep them safe!
- Keep it light. Each bag should weigh less than 20 kg (44 lb).
- Clean up fallen fruit from your yard, keep your collection area tidy and ensure garbage cans are completely closed and bags tied to avoid attracting wasps.
- Remove wasp nests from your collection area. Consider placing an artificial wasp nest in the area to discourage wasps from building a nest there.
- Trim branches near your collection area, but be mindful of when it's safe to trim branches (usually November to March). Learn more at edmonton.ca/dutchelm.
- Tie your branches and brush into small bundles no more than 1.2 m (4 ft) in length, and weighing no more than you can easily lift.
Take a Peek to See Why Collectors Need Your Help
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.
