Windsor Flood Update September 7, 2017

More help is on the way for removal of flooding goods from city streets.

10 extra trucks are being brought in by GFL Canada, bringing the total number of trucks to 30, three times the normal number for garbage collection. 

City officials are also cancelling recycling collection for the remainder of this week, so all available personnel and equipment can concentrate on removing the flood materials.  Residents who have recycling at the curb now or were planning to put out as scheduled Friday or Saturday are asked to take the recycling back in and store it until their next scheduled pick-up in two weeks.  The City apologies for the inconvenience but trusts that residents agree the potentially hazardous flooding materials take precedence over regular recycling or yard waste.

Regular garbage collection is continuing, although some delays might be experienced.

Residents are also advised that the Bulk Furniture Collection is on hold until further notice due to the flooding event.  Please watch for posted updates.

Ongoing:

The Public Drop-Off Depot at Central Avenue is open and accepting flood damaged materials, such as carpet, padding, dry wall, furniture, and baseboards free of charge.  However, Environmental Services reports that wait times can be significant at times.  The Public Drop-Off is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm. 

Yard waste collection for the month of September is also cancelled so that all available resources can be diverted to flood clean up. Residents are asked to place flood damaged items to the curb (not the alley) as soon as possible. Cooperation in preparing the flood material will allow us to get to as many homes as possible, as soon as possible. 

Note: Flood damage pickup is for those who do not have a paid contractor working on their properties, as paid contractors are responsible for taking any damaged materials to the landfill.

Curbside Collection Preparation Details:

• Roll carpet and padding in small bundles approximately 4’ in length.
• Bundle, bag or place in pails/boxes any building materials such as pieces of drywall, baseboards.
• Appliances must have doors secured shut.
• Collection crews will not pick up loose material. All loose items must be placed at the curb in garbage bags weighing no more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds).  Bags should not be stacked but rather placed side by side. The hard-sided garbage container by-law will be waived for flood collection. 
• Keep household chemical waste, paint cans, and other chemicals in a separate pile.  They will be collected by a separate truck from the truck collecting flood items.
• Place items to be collected in an orderly manner, side by side as much as possible.  Avoid piling items on top of each other.
• Wherever possible, avoid parking vehicles in front of flood material. Collection crews require clear access to items set out for collection.

311’s hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  311 can also be accessed online. Details on the Basement Flooding Subsidy Protection Program can also be found on the City website. We thank residents for their co-operation and patience during this time.