TASHI FARMILO
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
SHAWVILLE – The Municipality of Shawville is set to implement a series of changes to its waste management system after the MRC Pontiac awarded a new garbage collection contract to Centre FilloGreen in Litchfield. The changes, which took effect on August 19, were designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the town’s waste collection process.
Mayor Bill McCleary explained the decision to partner with Centre FilloGreen was made after considering various options, including building a new transfer station. However, the cost of that option led the municipality to purchase a compactor truck instead, a move that has been discussed for years. The truck, a 2017 model equipped with hydraulic attachment arms, was purchased for $130,000 — compared to $500,000 for a new truck.
“Our previous system required multiple trips to the transfer station, which wasted valuable time,” said McCleary. “With the new compactor truck, we can manage the entire town’s garbage in a single trip, which will be much more efficient.”
As part of this transition, the municipality plans to distribute new specialized garbage bins to all residential properties. McCleary noted it will be mandatory for residents to use these bins for waste collection once distributed. “Right now, we’re still working with the old system because residents don’t have the proper bins yet,” McCleary said. “Once the new bins arrive, we’ll switch to the automated system, but until then, nothing will change for residents.”
The municipality is currently determining the exact number of bins required, estimating around 900 pickup locations, though not all will need individual bins. The approximate $80 cost of each bin will be included in residents’ tax bills next year.
Recycling services, managed by McGrimmon Cartage, will remain unchanged through the end of 2024, though McCleary mentioned further adjustments might be needed as Quebec transitions to a new recycling program in 2025. This program may provide grants to help municipalities cover the costs of new bins and collection systems.
Looking ahead, Shawville plans to resume biannual heavy pickups in 2025 and introduce compost collection, which could further reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
McCleary acknowledged the new system will allow residents to place more garbage at the curb, but emphasized the focus will also be on reducing waste through composting and other initiatives.
“We’re all learning as we go,” McCleary said. “The changes are aimed at better managing waste in Shawville, and we appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation during this transition.”
The municipality will keep residents informed as more details become available.