The City of Wrenford is asking residents to prepare their green bins for the annual winter suspension, which begins on December 6, 2024. The seasonal pause will last until April 4, 2025, when weekly organics collection resumes.
During the suspension, your regular garbage and Blue Box recycling will still be collected on their normal days. However, the green bin service will stop. This change is a standard part of our winter operations and helps keep our collection crews safe and efficient as snow and ice pick up across the city.
Here is how to get your green bin ready for the cold months:
- Empty the bin completely. Make sure all food scraps and paper products are removed before December 6.
- Drain excess water. If your bin has collected rainwater or melting snow, tip it upside down to drain it before storing.
- Store it safely. The best option is to bring your green bin inside a garage, shed, or basement. If you cannot store it indoors, place it at the curb with the lid open or secure it with a bungee cord so it does not blow away or get hit by snowplows.
- Keep the lid clear. Do not cover the bin with leaves, snow, or ice. Crews need to be able to open it quickly to avoid freezing the lid shut.
Winter naturally reduces the amount of yard waste and trimmings you produce, and the cold temperatures help keep odours down. Even without the green bin, you can still dispose of food scraps during the suspension. Visit a city drop-off depot or a recreation centre to drop off your organic waste.
"Getting your green bin ready for winter makes the job safer for our collection crews and keeps our neighbourhoods clean during the snow season," says Ben Achterberg, Waste Programs Supervisor. "A simple tip is to leave a small handful of sawdust or shredded paper in the bottom of the bin before you bring it back out in the spring. It will help soak up any leftover moisture and keep the bin smelling fresh."
The City will send out reminders before the spring restart so you know exactly when to place your green bin at the curb again. For the full collection calendar and more winter preparation tips, visit the Garbage & Recycling page.