Council to look at proposal for biannual free curbside waste collection days

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George City Council will consider a practical solution to a common challenge faced by residents: disposing of large household items that do not fit within standard curbside waste carts. A notice of motion has been put forward at Monday’s (June 22) council meeting for Council to consider, in principle, the introduction of two free curbside bulk waste collection days—often referred to as “Big Item Days”—each year. This initiative aims to make waste disposal more accessible while addressing ongoing issues such as illegal dumping and environmental harm.

Under the proposed program, residents would be permitted, on designated days, to place oversized household items at the curb at no additional cost. The program would exclude hazardous materials and items already restricted under existing municipal waste bylaws, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. By offering a simple, no-cost disposal option, the motion hopes to remove barriers that often prevent residents from properly discarding bulky items.

Effective implementation would require careful coordination and clear communication. The proposal outlines several key steps, including publishing collection dates well in advance and providing residents with clear guidelines on acceptable and prohibited items. To ensure smooth operations, the City would also need procedures to manage collection capacity, such as early cut-off measures if demand exceeds available resources. Collaboration with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, as well as local community associations and neighbourhood groups, would further strengthen the program’s reach and effectiveness. A comprehensive communications plan would ensure residents are informed and able to participate fully.

The motion, put forward by Councillors Susan Scott, Garth Frizzell and Kyle Sampson, say the need for such a program is evident. Many residents accumulate large items over time but face obstacles when trying to dispose of them. Costs associated with landfill use, limited access to transportation, or physical limitations can make proper disposal difficult. These challenges can lead, in some cases, to illegal dumping—a problem that continues to affect Prince George.