A deputation brought forward at city council would change the costs associated with yard waste drop off at city facilities.

Mr. Charles Ross, in his presentation Monday, says other communities such as Kenora have already implemented a program to drop off the bags and have noticed benefits.

“Given that this yard waste can be broken down into soil, it costs very little for the city to dispose,” mentioned Ross. “In fact, as you know the city uses this yard waste for compost that they provide residents free for pick up.”

Ross added that providing free drop off will deter people in the city from disposing of their yard waste incorrectly.

Northwood Councillor Shelby Ch’ng questioned the legitimacy of free drop off, and free compost pick up looking at ways to prevent high costs to the city.

“Is there an opportunity to if we did give free leaf and yard waste dropping, or people could bring it themselves, could we not charge for the byproduct of the mulch or whatever we come out with to offset the costs?” asked Ch’ng.

McKellar Ward Councillor Brian Hamilton had other concerns, proposing other solutions such as curbside bag pick up occurring more often in the summer months.

“We do have an issue with waiting weeks, so maybe a program like this might be more effective like picking up waste earlier or nailing down a better time and date, which I understand is difficult,” said Hamilton.

Council did not determine how to move forward with the deputation.