Port Moody is going private with its large-item garbage collection after canceling its annual $65,000 spring clean-up program late last year.
City council voted Tuesday to enter into a 16-month contract with waste management company Smithrite Disposal to handle all large-item pickup in the city beginning after Labour Day weekend in September.
The contract to remove couches, mattresses and anything else too big for regular waste pickup is to be reviewed annually for potential renewal.
Coun. Mike Clay voiced strong objections to the contract, saying he does not believe it is the city's job to mediate between a resident requiring pickup and a private company.
Coun. Dilworth said the Smithrite contract would most likely evolve over time as the city studied what kind of services Port Moody residents were using.
Objections aside, Clay joined all other councillors in unanimously approving the Smithrite contract, whose services will be advertised in a mailout to Port Moody residents in September.
Costs for pickup per item are as follows:
- All furniture excluding items with glass - $75
- Appliances - $50
- Toilets, barbecue grills (propane tanks excluded) and push mowers (oil and gas removed) - $35
- Electronics and Computers (up to 3 items together) - $35
Mattresses and box springs - $40
The city's Environmental Protection Committee will also look at hosting free large-item drop-off days at area recreation centres to help residents dispose of unwanted goods.
