A resident from Windsor, concerned about rodents being attracted to the new green bins, shared her experience of squirrels chewing holes in her bin. Laurie LaChance recalled how quickly the squirrels damaged the bin after she had disposed of paper waste and a wrapped half-birthday cake. Despite reporting the issue to the waste authority, the bin remains unrepaired, leading to worries about further rodent infestation.
LaChance’s situation has resonated with others on social media, highlighting concerns about the green bin program implemented in Windsor and surrounding areas. The initiative, aimed at meeting waste diversion targets and safeguarding water treatment systems, has distributed over 120,000 green bins to households. The program converts green bin waste into fertilizer and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability.
While the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority acknowledges the potential for pests to breach bins, they offer preventive measures. Suggestions include using cardboard to reduce odors, ensuring regular bin collection, and storing bins in cool areas. Freezing food waste before disposal is also advised to deter pests.
Despite assurances of bin repairs and replacements within the program budget, LaChance remains skeptical about the bins’ efficacy in deterring rodents, especially in warmer weather. She expressed doubts about the bins’ ability to contain odors and recounted previous encounters with rodent damage to waste bins. LaChance emphasized the need for more robust bin materials to address the rodent issue effectively.