Curbside recycling changes in Saint John will end nighttime collection

CBC
·2 min read
The changes are part of the extended producer-responsibility program run by Recycle N.B. (City of Saint John - image credit)
The changes are part of the extended producer-responsibility program run by Recycle N.B. (City of Saint John - image credit)

Saint John will be rolling out a new curbside recycling program at the beginning of May that will see all residents putting their recycling out by 7 a.m. for collection, with no more nighttime pickup, as Miller Waste, a private company, takes over collection.

"The majority of the residents will also see a change in the day of the week in which they have the recycling collected," said Tim O'Reilly, director of public works for the city, adding there will be no change to garbage collection.

The move is a part of the extended producer-responsibility program, overseen by Recycle N.B.

Circular Materials, a non-profit organization, will be responsible for the city's recycling program and enlisted Miller Waste as the collector.

Director of Public Works Tim O'Reilly says residents will see changes to days and time of curbside pick up.
Director of Public Works Tim O'Reilly says residents will see changes to days and time of curbside pick up.

Tim O'Reilly, director of public works for the city, says residents will see changes to days and time of curbside pick up. (Lane Harrison/CBC)

O'Reilly said the move is a positive step following the success of the Waste Wise program, which worked to reduce garbage in the city's landfills by bringing curbside recycling to the city.

"[Miller Waste] have been collecting waste for years and years across the province and outside the province. So they're very professional collectors … we're confident they're going to do a very good job," O'Reilly said.

Jeff MacCallum says the decision to collect in the day instead of evening was about safety for the drivers and also to reduce noise for residents.
Jeff MacCallum says the decision to collect in the day instead of evening was about safety for the drivers and also to reduce noise for residents.

Jeff MacCallum of Circular Materials says the decision to collect in the day instead of evening was about safety for the drivers and also to reduce noise for residents. (Submitted by Circular Materials)

Jeff MacCallum, managing director of Circular Materials, said the change comes down to practicality.

"We've determined, looking at the system and evaluation of the standards, that it would be more efficient and safer to run the operation during daytime … there's better visibility during the day," he said.

Noise was also a consideration.

"These are large trucks, they have backup beepers, so less disruption to residents in terms of the noise," if recycling is picked up during the day.

O'Reilly said no changes are being made to garbage collection, and said anyone with questions can visit the Circular Materialswebsite.

He also says that curbside recycling will be coming to apartments that are larger than four units in May 2025.