Effective January 2010, Garbage and Recycling Pick-up changes from Wednesday to Friday.   First Friday pick up of the new year is January 8^th. Why?   Background:In 2008 the Village entered into a three year commitment with Smithrite for Solid and recycling weekly pick-up.  During the year, a waste management committee has been meeting to research our existing service, and examine options.  Council, staff and the committee have agreed to work towards these goals:   

1. Climate Action - while waste from Lions Bay is a small contributor to GHG’s, the transportation of it and the contribution we make to landfill needs to be reduced.
2. Financial – Tipping fees rose significantly in 2008 and will continue to rise.  Our goal is to reduce our costs that rose 30% last year.  People who have reduced their solid waste significantly should not continue to pay rising costs.
3. Service – While ensuring solid waste, organics, recycling and green waste is picked up, we will explore self-service options which will address green waste and health standards.
4. Bear Smart Status – Remove attractants and enable residents to use Bear Resistant containers at curbside.  These containers require semi-automated trucks.

Metro Vancouver and communities to the north of Lions Bay are undergoing continual changes as they worked towards similar goals.    Change effective January 8^th:For 2010, The Village of Lions Bay recently negotiated with Smithrite to ensure our costs do not increase despite the rise in tipping fees, to maintain service of weekly pick up of our solid waste, recycling and green waste from April to November, and for the use of semi-automated trucks so residents who have the bear resistant containers can bring  them to curbside.  In order to achieve this, we have to change pick-up from Wednesdays to Fridays commencing Friday January 8^th. We apologize for the short notice, but we believe it is in our best interest to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible.  More details will follow with your solid waste billing in February.     Thank you for your cooperation. Please remember that if you are missing garbage day and have to dispose of your organic waste, the dumpster at the Fire Rescue Building off Centre Road can be used by residents.  This bear resistant bin is emptied weekly.  If you wish to order a bear resistant garbage can, please contact the Village Office. .