Bag Tags

MJ Dempster | Nov 25, 2020

I am writing in response to the article, “SF Staff Recommend Ending Free Bag Tags,” published in the November 19, 2020 edition of The Frontenac News. In the article, we are informed that “Staff has asked Council to consider introducing a user pay system whereby single-family dwellings would no longer get 50 free bag tags for garbage every year.” We are also informed that most garbage collection costs  are recovered through taxation. It seems to me a reasonable assumption that the taxes we pay, which are certainly not inexpensive, would cover garbage collection costs. That is a basic and necessary service. While I recognize that, for various reasons, folks have chosen to live in South Frontenac and not the city, I also recognize that taxes here are not less than those paid by city dwellers, and yet we do not have the same amenities, such as sidewalks, community pools and fitness centres, to name just a few; surely it is reasonable to assume that our taxes can at least cover garbage collection costs. 

In my opinion, to suggest that bag tags are a source of controversy and expense is irrelevant in considering this matter. I would contend that many programs offered by a municipality generate controversy and expense, some more than others. Staff time may be needed to deal with “sorting, mailing, complaints, and queries about tags,” but isn’t staff time needed to deal with all aspects of running a municipality effectively? Controversy, expense, and staff time expended do not seem to be adequate reasons to suggest cessation of a program that is vital, appreciated by the residents, and seems to be working for most who live in South Frontenac. 

Currently, the City of Kingston allows for free weekly collection per household of one bag of garbage and collection of food waste, soiled paper products and small amounts of yard waste in their green bin program. Food waste includes meat, bones, shells, dairy products, fats, oils, fruits, vegetables, tea bags, coffee grounds, bread, baked goods, rice, pasta, grains and condiments. Also permissible in the green bin are pizza boxes, popcorn bags, paper plates, dryer lint, hair, nail clippings, sawdust, wood chips, soiled paper products and small amounts of yard waste. Such an extensive list readily indicates that the number of garbage bags generated annually per household could be greatly reduced, although one might contend that one bag per week is not at all excessive. That collection system seems to be working quite well, not only in Kingston, but also in other municipalities. Has South Frontenac Council given consideration to initiating a green bin program? I see no reason why we cannot continue the current 50 tags per year program and introduce a green bin program also. 

MJ Dempster