Portage la Prairie residents will see a major change in how their garbage is collected starting August 1st, 2025.
The City is launching a new automated curbside garbage system designed to improve efficiency, enhance worker safety, and reduce litter, marking a significant shift from the current manual pickup method.
Binning the previous system
Under the new system, every eligible household will receive a large, City-provided 360-litre black garbage cart delivered approximately one week before their scheduled August collection.
These carts replace the previous system where residents used their own bins or bags, including the extra bag tag program.
Jocelyn Lequier-Jobin, Director of Operations, emphasizes that the new rules mean tighter limits on waste pickup. "You won't be allowed to put any bags or additional cart bins out at all. Everything will have to be in that cart and the lid will need to close."
The automated trucks, equipped with mechanical arms, will only collect waste contained within the City-issued cart with the lid fully closed. Overflowing carts or bags placed beside them will not be collected.
Lequier-Jobin clarifies that this means the extra bag tags will no longer be able to be used once the new system takes effect.
Residents with unused solid waste tags can return them to City Hall or the Operations Department for a refund until September 30, 2025.
Key changes and new features
The transition brings several key changes alongside the new carts and trucks.
To help residents manage large items, the City is introducing a new bulky waste pickup program.
"We will be doing four annual bulky waste pickups that will be at no additional charge," Lequier-Jobin explains.
These pickups will occur one week each in April, July, September, and December on residents' regular garbage days, with items needing to weigh under 100 pounds.
Technology will also play a bigger role. Each cart features a unique serial number linked to the home address, aiding in identification if carts are misplaced.
"So in that way we can locate bins that, say, are out in the street somewhere, and can figure out where they're supposed to go," says Lequier-Jobin.
Furthermore, a mobile app called "ReCollect" will launch soon, allowing residents to check schedules and receive collection reminders. Carts will also include a QR code linking to contractor MWM Environmental's website for more information, with printed materials also available.
Cart care and waste reduction
The City owns and maintains the carts, which are expected to last at least 10 years. Replacement costs depend on the cause of damage.
"If it's damaged by the contractor or through no fault of the homeowner, we would most likely replace it for free. But if we determined that the damage was from the handling of the homeowner, then they would be responsible for paying for it," Lequier-Jobin states.
With the elimination of extra bag tags, residents are strongly encouraged to maximize recycling and utilize seasonal yard waste programs to minimize garbage volume.
"We're encouraging everyone to recycle as much as possible. We don't have any limits on recycling," Lequier-Jobin notes.
Residents needing help moving carts due to physical limitations can apply for an assistance program through MWM Environmental starting in July via the City website, City Hall, or the Operations Department.
Residents' collection days remain unchanged, and the utility fee for garbage collection continues through the quarterly water bill with no increase. Recycling (every two weeks) and seasonal yard waste pickups also continue as before. Plans for a similar automated recycling system are anticipated when that contract is renewed in the next year or so.
Residents should place carts at the curb with wheels against the edge, allowing one metre of clearance, for successful automated pickup.
The city currently has an FAQ page for the rollout of the new system, which you can view by clicking here.