Could garbage pickup go county-wide? Grey County study underway
No decision has been made, but recommendations are expected before the end of the year
By David Ellis · · 2 min read
Grey County and its nine member municipalities are studying whether garbage and waste services could be delivered more collaboratively across the region.
The waste-management services study is being carried out through the county's Joint Municipal Services Committee, which brings together representatives from all nine municipalities, Chatsworth among them, according to a report by Midwestern Newspapers/SarniaNewsToday.
Grey County says the study will "examine current services across the nine member municipalities." It will also "explore opportunities to better align waste management with Grey County's climate action goals," according to the report.
No decision has been made to create a single county-wide system, the report says. A draft final study and recommendations are expected before the end of 2026. They would then go to Grey County council and the participating municipal councils for consideration in 2027.
Committee to carry on
At its Oct. 8 meeting, Grey County council supported a motion to continue the Joint Municipal Services Committee under the incoming council, according to the county's meeting highlights. Council directed staff to prepare new terms of reference for the committee for the 2027-2030 term.
Councillors highlighted the committee's value in identifying opportunities for greater efficiency, shared services and collaboration between the county and its member municipalities, the highlights say.
That means any recommendations on waste would land in front of the councils elected on Oct. 26. Chatsworth's mayor and deputy mayor also sit on Grey County council.
Chatsworth already shares a landfill
Chatsworth already shares waste services with a neighbour. The township and the Municipality of Grey Highlands jointly manage the Holland-Markdale Waste Disposal Site. This spring they marked the opening of a jointly purchased waste shredder there, according to a May 12 Grey Highlands news release.
The release says the shredder processes bulky waste on site, which reduces the volume of material going into the landfill and helps extend its life.
"This is an exciting upgrade that will help reduce costs at the Holland-Markdale Waste Diversion Site by improving operational efficiency and reducing cleanup, maintenance, and staff time," Chatsworth Mayor Scott Mackey said in the release.
Your turn: How well does garbage and recycling service work for your household now? Email news@chatsworthbanner.ca or use the tip form on our site.
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