Metropolitan Structures short on recycling bins

"It's not because we don't want to supply them with recycling bins," explains Jacques Reid, head of the permits and inspections department at Verdun borough. "There are some buildings owned by M.S.I. that were not constructed to accommodate recycling bins of this size, since they don't have indoor garages. It's also created a problem for garbage collection." Mr. Reid inspected the site accompanied by Ronald Lapierre, maintenance manager at M.S.I.

When will the problem be solved? "We've identified the buildings where we have to create a holding area for these recycling bins. The work will be completed in the fall or at the beginning of next spring," Mr. Reid specifies. About 30 broken recycling bins were replaced by the borough last week.

Residents are urged to gather their recycled items and place them next to garbage bins, where they will be collected by superintendents. A return to recycling bags is not a solution, according to Mr. Reid. "We could supply residents with the bags, but in the areas where we are emptying recycling bins, we don't pick up recycling bags. The collection is undertaken by two different companies who have a completely different route to follow," explains Francine Morin, communications agent for the Verdun borough. "And one shouldn't forget that even if people have access to the bins, they don't necessarily recycle. Citizens' participation counts as well," adds Mr. Reid.