CTV Ottawa has learned the City of Ottawa is planning to reduce garbage pick-up to once every two weeks in order to save money.
The recommended changes to curbside garbage pick-up will be announced Wednesday afternoon.
The city would collect green bin waste every week and there would be no changes to blue and black box recycling. The city will also offer diaper service on the weeks there isn't garbage pick-up.
According to a breakdown by city staff, it costs an average homeowner in Ottawa about $90 per year for regular garbage pick-up; $23 per year for the green bin program; and $20 for blue and black box recycling.
It's estimated bi-weekly garbage pick-up would save the city $5 million to $8 million per year.
"We save millions of dollars by picking up garbage every two weeks. Still, there may be some convincing that has to happen," said Coun. Diane Holmes.
However, Coun. Bob Monette says the savings might not be enough to justify a loss in service.
"If you're taking away from weekly service that is a cut to core service as far as I am concerned," he said.
Already, not everyone likes the plan.
"I think it's a horrible idea . . . because people put out enough garbage these days where they need it picked up weekly," said one Ottawa resident.
"My house would smell like garbage because my boyfriend would forget to take it out," added another.
Others say the green bin has already drastically reduced the amount of garbage they put out, and bi-weekly pick-up would not be that bad.
"I wouldn't mind because I have almost nothing in regular garbage. I have everything in the little green bin," said resident Michele Pronovost.
The city's current contract for waste pick-up is up for renewal in May 2012.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
