Katz says penalties an option if delays in garbage, recycling pickup continue

Some residents have voiced frustrations over delays getting garbage and recycling items picked up under the new system, which rolled out across Winnipeg on Oct. 1. (file image)

Mayor Sam Katz weighed in on Winnipeg’s new garbage and recycling collection system on Wednesday.

Some residents, along with Coun. Paul Havixbeck (Charleswood), have voiced frustrations over delays getting garbage and recycling items picked up under the new system, which rolled out across Winnipeg on Oct. 1.

On Wednesday, Katz spoke about the issue. He said he hopes kinks in the new system can be fixed, now that the first round of collection is over. If they aren’t fixed, however, financial penalties built into the deal could be handed out.

"I'm hoping (now) we've been through this once - everybody realizes what the problems are, realizes the proper thing to do, that everything is picked up on time and, if it's not, then penalties come into play,” said Katz.

The mayor said trucks were also late in picking up his garbage and recycling.