Oromocto to hold plebiscite on curbside recycling

Curbside recycling may be coming to Oromocto, along with a 50 per cent increase in collection fees, depending on the outcome of a question on the ballot in the upcoming municipal election.

The Town is holdinga plebiscite on the issue, in conjunction with the May 9election.

DickIsabelle, the Town'schief administrativeofficer, said the goal is tomeasurepublic interest in switching from community depots to curbside collection.

"We have a lot ofmilitarypeoplethat move in every year. They've had experience in other locationswith curbside collection and we hear those voices every so often saying, 'Wouldn't that beniceifOromoctocould offer that,'" said Isabelle, speaking to Information Morning Fredericton on Tuesday.

Information Morning - Fredericton4:01Plebiscite - Dick Isabelle

Oromocto's chief administrative officer explains the upcoming plebiscite.

Currently, there are three communityrecycling depots in town and they are in high demand,said Isabelle.

"Sometimes [they're] almost overused because we find, at times, we have to empty them in the middle of the weekendbecause they fill up so much."

Isabelle said if people votein favour of establishing curbsideservice,there will be a 50 per cent increase in the collection fee, from $80 per year to $120. The plan is to follow the same guidelines as in Fredericton, with grey boxes for paper and cardboard and blue boxes for plastic and metal cans.

A public meeting on the plebiscite isset for April 19 at 6 p.m. at the Oromoctotown hall.