Port Coquitlam will continue with its Large Item Pickup pilot project despite the contractor pulling out, citing an error in its original bid.
“There has been significant participation and engagement from our community and it was important to continue providing this service,” stated Tom Madigan, section manager for public works, in an email to the Tri-City News.
The program will now be done in house — at a cost of about $450,000 — with the city hiring a part-time clerk to manage requests, schedule pick-ups and collect data.
As well, two casual staff have been hired as operators for the programs. “At this time we will not need to hire more staff,” Madigan further confirmed.
The program, which started In April, has been a boon to eligible residents who pay the city’s garbage levy on their property tax bill, with more than 2,500 items collected.
More than half of the materials went to the landfill — approximately 1,811 items — with the remainder recycled, including mattresses, appliances and tires.
The transition to city services began Sept. 1 and will remain the same for 2021, providing free curbside pick-up of six large items per year (three items maximum per pick up).
It’s a service the city’s mayor said was requested by residents.
“Bulky items can be difficult to dispose of and often there is a cost involved, which can be a barrier for some households. This new program is another example of the city continuing our overall focus of providing exceptional service to our community while making sure that waste is disposed of properly,” Mayor Brad West said when the program was launched.
The idea is to stop people from dumping their large items in alleys and greenbelts.
Among the eligible items for collection are mattresses, furniture, appliances, tires and exercise equipment.
To qualify, household owners must receive city waste services and pay a garbage levy on their property tax bill; approximately 13,500 single-family homes and 4,000 multi-family units are eligible.
Pick-up days have changed to Monday to Friday and the city will examine the program, budget and staffing during its review of the pilot project.
Citing an “error” in their bid process, CleanStart BC told the city it had identified a significant error in its bid submission and couldn’t continue to provide the service because of compounding losses.
In late June it was agreed the contract would be terminated on August 31.
Residents needing a bulk item pick up from the city can book online at portcoquitlam.ca/largeitem.
