A resident of Windsor expressed concerns about the new green bins attracting rodents to the neighborhood. Laurie LaChance reported that squirrels had chewed holes in her bin shortly after she placed paper waste and a wrapped birthday cake inside. Despite contacting the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority for repairs, the issue remained unresolved by Monday, leading to worries about attracting more pests.
The green bin program, launched in October in Windsor and surrounding areas, aims to enhance waste diversion efforts and safeguard water treatment systems. Approximately 120,000 green bins were distributed to households in preparation for the program. The initiative converts green bin waste into fertilizer and renewable energy to meet provincial targets.
Although pests breaking into bins is a known issue, the waste authority has not received reports of such incidents. Tips were provided to prevent pest access, including using cardboard liners to reduce odors and ensuring regular waste collection even with minimal content. Storing bins in cool, shaded locations can also deter pests. The authority covers repair or replacement costs for damaged bins within the program budget.
LaChance expressed skepticism about the bins’ effectiveness in deterring rodents, especially during warm weather. She highlighted previous encounters with rodents targeting waste bins and observed increased skunk and raccoon activity. Concerns were raised about the program’s success without more durable bin materials like metal.