Calmar's new organics program draws mixed reaction

CALMAR -- The Town of Calmar has begun the process of reclaiming green bins from residents who refuse to partake in their new organics program.

The program saw Calmar recently introduce new green bins for the collection of items such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps. However, not everyone has shown a desire to participate. At their council meeting on May 4, 2026, council voted in favour of allowing town staff to reclaim the bins from residents who aren't interested in utilizing them. Mayor Krista Gardner believes the issue relates to a failure to properly convey the purpose of the program.

"I feel like that's where we're missing the mark a little bit on some of this," said Mayor Gardner. "I think if people fully understood that this is about your leaves, they're not going to want to send the bins back. Whereas I think what they feel is that we're shoving the organics program down their throat, and that's not entirely the case."

Residents who don't want a green bin will also be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that returning the bin will not result in a reduction in their utility bill, and that the level of service they receive will be reduced (no green collection). In addition, those who change their minds and request the bins back will incur a cost of $40. Councillor Danielle Bourdon agreed that more education on the program is needed.

"I would rather see more education than just openly advertise that people can give their bins back," said Bourdon. "I think that we can get people there eventually. But if we give them the option now when people are upset about it, then they're just going to give their bins back." 

A separate motion was passed by council to run a two-week information campaign to detail the organics program, the reasoning behind it, and associated cost savings. It is also set to include information on what is, and what isn't allowed at the Town of Calmar's organics depot.