The Blue Bin Question: How Did They Not Know?

Blue bin collection is now a producer responsibility, and yet those at the helm appeared blissfully unaware of something critically important: the new blue bin was simply too large for many residents. A sample large blue bin briefly appeared at the open house ahead of distribution, and no one—no one—questioned its size. This lack of awareness, or perhaps accountability, would be laughable if it weren’t so consequential, revealing a troubling disconnect between decision-makers and the practical realities faced by the very residents they are meant to serve.

Transitions of this magnitude rarely occur without oversight. And yet, somehow, the N6 mayors were unaware of a seemingly small detail—one that proved large enough to cause significant chaos. How could that even be possible?

The most frustrating part is the familiar script: politicians busy with photo-ops and public appearances, while the work that actually matters—the day-to-day details affecting residents—is sidelined. In this blue bin fiasco, province is probably footing replacement costs, while municipalities quietly bear some of the consequences.

Then there’s the question of municipal accountability. How could a town that anticipated this change end up with no actionable information? And why did our mayor suddenly jump into “rescue mode,” responding reactively rather than ensuring the issue was managed proactively?

The N6 mayors claim they’ve “worked tirelessly, together, to push for a solution that respects the needs and feedback of our residents”—but only after the fact.

If even a fraction of the energy spent on photo-ops were devoted to practical governance, we might not be caught up in this blue bin fiasco. Instead, we are left asking the same unsettling question: how did they not know?