Open letter to Mayor Dan Curtis and Whitehorse city council:
I am writing this letter in response to a news report that the City of Whitehorse is considering going into the business of curbside pickup recycling. You must be aware that an active small business is currently operating in the city.
This business saw the need in the city a couple of years ago for curbside pickup recycling. They strategized a business plan, started small, and invested their own time and money to get this started with the plan of expanding to existing neighbourhoods.
I might also add that they did this without any government loan, grants or public money. They want to buy more equipment to allow for further expansion but are afraid to put any more money into a business that has to compete with government for their customers. I can guarantee that a small business can operate more efficiently and cost-effectively than any government agency.
I am referring to Yukon Blue Bin Recycling Society, of which I am a satisfied customer. They provide this service on a bi-weekly basis. You divide your recycling into bottles, cans and plastics magazines - newspapers and cardboard. They send you a reminder email on the day of pickup and all you have to do is take it to the end of your driveway and they take it away.
They leave you a blue bin with replacement compostable bags for the next bi-weekly pickup. This service costs $20 plus GST per month.
It is ridiculous to use taxpayers’ money for a feasibility study and force a private enterprise business into closure. We already have this business operating in our community so why would you want to go into competition with them? I hope you seriously reconsider this matter.
A satisfied Yukon Blue Bin customer and disappointed taxpayer,
Donna Swales
Whitehorse