Garbage pickup could move from alleys to streets for some Winnipeggers

Winnipeg city officials will look at possibly changing where some residents leave their garbage and recycling bins, in a bid to lessen the ruts and bumps on gravel back lanes.

Councillors on the water and waste committee decided on Monday to ask city staff to study the idea, which would move collection "from gravel back lanes to front streets in selected areas."

The city has more than 87 kilometres of unpaved alleys that are pounded by garbage and recycling trucks on collection days.

"I'm the gravel king — got a lot more gravel back lanes than any other councillor by far," said St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes, who chairs the committee.

"One of the recommendations from public works was, well, let's take a look at moving some of the collection to the front street to reduce wear and tear on the lanes."

The committee will look at the idea, but first they need to get a sense of opposition to the proposed change, Mayes said.

"It's a real problem in some of these lanes where we've got these heavy trucks going back and forth — sometimes backing down the lane, like at Kingston Crescent — so we're going to take a look at it. Not going to force it on anybody," he said.