The City of Lethbridge is rolling out significant changes to its green cart collection program that will affect how residents dispose of organic waste. Beginning October 28, 2024, green cart pickup will transition from weekly to bi-weekly service, marking a major shift in the city's waste management strategy.
What's Changing in Lethbridge's Waste Collection?
The new bi-weekly schedule means residents will need to adjust their composting and yard waste routines. While green cart collection moves to every other week, black cart garbage pickup will remain weekly, providing consistency for regular household waste.
According to city officials, this change aligns with seasonal patterns of organic waste production and supports more efficient resource allocation. The transition comes after careful analysis of waste collection patterns and resident feedback.
Why the Shift to Bi-Weekly Service?
The decision stems from practical observations about organic waste generation throughout the year. During colder months, composting materials and yard waste naturally decrease, making weekly collection less necessary.
This strategic move allows the city to optimize routes and resources while maintaining effective waste diversion from landfills. The bi-weekly schedule also reduces fuel consumption and vehicle emissions, contributing to Lethbridge's environmental sustainability goals.
Preparing for the October Transition
Residents should mark their calendars for the October 28 start date and begin planning for the adjusted schedule. The city recommends:
- Familiarizing yourself with the new collection calendar
- Continuing to use your green cart for all compostable materials
- Practicing proper waste separation to minimize odors between collections
- Taking advantage of fall yard waste collection before the schedule change
This waste management update represents Lethbridge's ongoing commitment to efficient, environmentally responsible services that meet the evolving needs of the community while controlling operational costs.
