The option of implementing a fee for the mandatory blue bag recycling program in St. John’s was bandied about Wednesday morning at the Committee of the Whole meeting but dismissed. Mandatory recycling came into effect on January 2 in the capital but the city gets lots of complaints about the blue bags being blown around on windy days.

Even on days when collection is cancelled because of wind, many are unaware and leave their recyclables out, thinking that they will be picked up.

The city will step up its communications strategy surrounding waste collection but encourages residents to take responsibility as well.

Council discussed the idea of providing bins, as it does for regular household waste, but decided against it at this time.

Public Works Director Lynanne Winsor reminds people that the city will provide stickers for bins used for recycling to enable easier identification for workers.

She encourages people to call 311 and ask for a blue recycling sticker. She says applying it to the bin makes it easier for collectors. A lot of residents have already availed of that option, she says.