Clearing up the trash

There’s a clear message being offered these days by Waste Check, the organization responsible for garbage pick-up in Digby County.

As of April 1, everyone in the county will be required to place garbage in uncolored transparent bags, while recyclables will go in blue bags. One solid black or green bag will still be useable per collection for personal items.

The change is being phased in from April 1 to July 31, according to Jean Brittain, who is town council’s representative on Waste Check.

At first, a reminder will be placed on bags containing banned material, but the bags will not be rejected. In July, any bag containing two or more banned items will be left at the curb.

Waste Check reportedly will be distributing a newsletter listing such banned items.

Brittain also reported last week to Digby town council that the Waste Check board is unanimously opposed to burning of tires at a cement plant outside Truro. “We feel, probably as most other regions, it is a serious step backwards in our efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle,” Brittain told council.