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Snow Clearing Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a windrow?
2. After my street is plowed, who is responsible for removing the windrow or ridge of snow that was left behind by the snow plow?
3. Is there a street priority system in place for snow removal?
4. Does the Municipality remove high piles of snow?
5. When will the sidewalks be cleaned?
6. Sidewalk plow went by and left a ridge of snow which blocks my pathway, who is responsible to remove this?
7. Does the Municipality use sand on streets?
8. After the street is plowed, who is responsible to clear the windrow (ridge of snow) off my front approach?
9. Why does the Municipality dump snow on MY boulevard?
10. I am a senior citizen and am not able to shovel snow on my private approach - who can help me?
11. Who do I contact if my neighbour is dumping snow onto my property?
12. Can I move snow from my private property onto a municipal right of way?
     

What is a windrow?
A windrow is a ridge of snow that is left behind after a snow plow or grader passes by.
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After my street is plowed, who is responsible for removing the windrow or ridge of snow that was left behind by the snow plow?
As per our snow removal policy, generally windrows across private walks and approaches are not removed by municipal equipment. This  ridge of snow is the responsibility of the resident to remove. However, windrows will be removed after all Priority I and II streets are cleared, if the height of the windrow is greater than 450mm (18"). After removing the windrow from the private driveway, the remaining windrow will be no greater than 300mm (12") and no less than 150mm (6").
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Is there a street priority system in place for snow removal?
For the purpose of snow clearing, the street system has been classified in two categories Priority I and Priority II. However, some streets designated as a particular priority may be plowed on an accelerated basis together with streets in a higher priority. The purpose of prioritizing streets is to provide a prompt and efficient level of snow clearing for the residents of the R.M. of East St. Paul. The definitions listed below describe the general rule and some exceptions to the rule.

PRIORITY I STREETS: Following a major snowfall all Priority I streets are cleared of snow immediately. All Priority I streets will be cleared to a bare surface within a 24 hour period. For a gradual accumulation of snow, Priority I streets are cleared of snow after 30mm (1.2") of snow or as required, to a bare surface.

PRIORITY II STREETS: Priority II streets are cleared of snow to a bare surface whenever conditions allow following the completion of the cleaning of snow from Priority I streets. List of Priority 1 and Priority II streets

click here for the priorities map

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Does the Municipality remove high piles of snow?
The Public Works Department monitors visibility at intersections on a regular basis throughout the winter months. Priority will be given to high piles located on Priority I streets. The Municipality does not remove high piles at private approaches or private entrances.
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When will the sidewalks be cleaned?
Sidewalks will be cleared of snow to a compacted snow surface following a 50mm (2") snowfall accumulation. In the clearing of the snow from sidewalks, windrows across private approaches and/or walks will not be removed.
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Sidewalk plow went by and left a ridge of snow which blocks my pathway, who is responsible to remove this?
Windrows of snow plowed across private approaches and/or walks resulting from sidewalk clearing operations are not removed by municipal equipment. This ridge of snow is the responsibility of the resident to remove.
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Does the Municipality use sand on streets?
The Municipality uses a mixture of sand and salt on Municipal streets. The percentage of sand vs. salt varies, but is generally between 5% - 7% salt mixed with the sand.
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After the street is plowed, who is responsible to clear the windrow (ridge of snow) off my front approach?
Windrows of snow plowed across private approaches and/or walks resulting from sidewalk clearing operations are not removed by municipal equipment. This ridge of snow is the responsibility of the resident to remove.
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Why does the Municipality dump snow on MY boulevard?
The Municipality's goal is to clear the roadways and as a result the snow piles cleared must be stored somewhere. We remind residents the MUNICIPAL boulevard is utilized for snow storage.
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I am a senior citizen and am not able to shovel snow on my private approach - who can help me?
Upon receiving a yearly request in writing, the Municipality will clear any windrows left on approaches of residents who are senior citizens (65 years of age or older) and special needs persons, provided there is no other person residing there that is able to perform the work. If you find that this service does not meet your level of needs, there are many agencies in the yellow pages that can perform this task.
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Who do I contact if my neighbour is dumping snow onto my property?
Snow being dumped onto your private property is a matter between you and your neighbour and the Municipality does not get involved. If you have tried to discuss the problem with your neighbour and have been unable to resolve this issue, you can contact a lawyer to answer any legal questions you may have.
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Can I move snow from my private property onto a municipal right of way?
As per By-Law 2006-15 Section 287 -3d - 'No person shall: Permit any substance or thing to be taken from a private driveway, lane or property and deposited on a street or road that is under the jurisdiction of the Municipality'. In the event that you have witnessed a situation such as this, please contact the Public Works Department at 668-8336. A By-Law Enforcement Officer will investigate situation, and if necessary, issue a notice.
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Frequently Asked Recycling Questions

1. Where can I get a recycling box and how much do they cost?
2. Today is my collection day and my recycling box has not been collected. What shall I do?
3. Why can't I put plastic bags in my recycling box any more?
4. What can I do with my plastic bags?
5. How should I put out my shredded or loose paper for recycling?
6. Can I still put paper bags in my recycling box?
7. Why can't I put recyclables inside paper bags?
8. Why can't I recycle books?
9. Why can't I recycle foil products, such as aluminum foil, foil pie plates or foil takeout food containers?
10. Why can't I recycle foam products, such as foam egg cartons, foam packaging or foam takeout food containers?
11. Can I recycle wrapping paper and tissue paper?
12. Can I recycle dry pet food bags?
13. Can I recycle frozen juice containers?
14. Can I recycle construction or art paper?
15. Can I recycle phone books?
16. How should I put my cardboard out for collection?
17. Why can cardboard be only 1 metre in any direction?
18. Can I recycle my broken recycling box by placing it out for recycling collection?
19. There is a tag on my recycling box. Why?
20. Will you collect the contents of the recycling box if a box is tagged?
21. Will my collection day change?
22. What hours will recycling collectors work?
23. Are there any exceptions to these times?
24. I just moved into my newly constructed home. Am I eligible for a free recycling box?
     

Today is my collection day and my recycling box has not been collected. What shall I do?
As there may be a delay in your pick up, leave your box out. You should also check for a tag. Tags explain why items were left behind. If there is no tag, and if you put your recycling box out before 7:00 a.m., leave your box out and contact the Public Works office at 668-8336. What if I have too many recyclables for one recycling box? You need at least one recycling box to recycle. If you have too many items for your recycling box, put the rest of your extra recyclables in any container that is no larger than a recycling box.
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Why can't I put plastic bags in my recycling box any more?
Recycled materials cannot be placed in plastic bags for the following reasons:

• The collection depot is automated in order that recyclable materials can be processed quickly and efficiently. All recyclable materials are handled automatically unless they are placed in plastic bags. If this is the case, the plastic bags have to be opened and emptied manually which creates additional costs. This unnecessary extra cost is charged back to the municipality which drives up the cost of our program.
• The plastic bags themselves cannot be recycled. We don't want to collect them in the recycling program and then have them hauled to a landfill.

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What can I do with my plastic bags?
You can:

• Reuse plastic bags when shopping.
• Drop off clean plastic bags for reuse at:
• Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way
• Winnipeg Harvest, 1085 Winnipeg Avenue

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How should I put out my shredded or loose paper for recycling?
To help reduce litter, you can:

• Pack the paper tightly in your recycling box (or other container no larger than a recycling box, such as a cardboard box, large plastic container or tote) to prevent it from blowing away
• Put lighter paper between heavier items, newspapers or cardboard
• Put heavier items or another box on top
• Put your shredded paper in small plastic bags (300mm x 300mm)and place them in your recycling box. This is the only exception to the "no plastic bags" policy.

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Can I still put paper bags in my recycling box?
Yes, but please do not place any recyclables in them.
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Why can't I put recyclables inside paper bags?
The new sorting machines cannot remove recyclables from paper bags. The recyclables and paper bags would be sent to the landfill site.
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Why can't I recycle books?
Book covers and glues used in book bindings lower the quality of the recycled paper fibre used to create recycled paper. This reduces the value of the paper we sell to the paper recyclers. Instead, consider donating your unused books and magazines to used bookstores, libraries, hospitals or charities. Contact them first to find out what books they will accept.
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Why can't I recycle foil products, such as aluminum foil, foil pie plates or foil takeout food containers?
Unlike aluminum drink cans, these products are not pure aluminum. They are blended with other materials and lower the quality and value of our recycled material.
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Why can't I recycle foam products, such as foam egg cartons, foam packaging or foam takeout food containers?
There are no local recyclers for this product.
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Can I recycle wrapping paper and tissue paper?
No. The paper is often blended with other materials, such as wax and metal, that can't be recycled.
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Can I recycle dry pet food bags?
No. Much like wrapping paper, these containers are often made of blended materials.
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Can I recycle frozen juice containers?
No. Much like wrapping paper, these containers are often made of blended materials.
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Can I recycle construction or art paper?
Yes, as long as it does not have crayon wax or glue on it.
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Can I recycle phone books?
You can recycle your old phone books by placing them in your recycling box.
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How should I put my cardboard out for collection?
Cardboard should be crushed flat and should measure no more than 1 metre in any direction. It should not be tied. It is best if you put your cardboard inside your recycling box, but you can also put it under your recycling box.
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Why can cardboard be only 1 metre in any direction?
Cardboard larger than 1 metre is too big to handle for processing.
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Can I recycle my broken recycling box by placing it out for recycling collection?
No. Our automated sorting equipment cannot handle broken recycling boxes. Therefore, if you need to throw out a broken recycling box put it in a garbage bag and put it out for garbage collection.
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There is a tag on my recycling box. Why?
Your recycling box was tagged for one of the following reasons:

• The items were packaged in plastic bags
• The cardboard was too big
• The items left behind are not included in our program
• The items left behind are hazardous products. We can't recycle containers that held products such as bleach, windshield and radiator antifreeze, or motor oil. Danger symbols on the container can help you identify many hazardous waste products.

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Will you collect the contents of the recycling box if a box is tagged?
We will leave behind only those items that we cannot recycle.
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Will my collection day change?
No. However, the collection time may vary each day. Please put your recycling box out by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.
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What hours will recycling collectors work?
Recycling collectors will work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Tuesday to Friday (the same hours as garbage collectors). They will usually work on one side of the street at a time.
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Are there any exceptions to these times?
Under unusual circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions and equipment breakdowns, collection may continue up to 10:00 p.m.
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I just moved into my newly constructed home. Am I eligible for a free recycling box?
Yes. You are eligible for one recycling box when a new home is constructed. Contact us at the Public Works Office (2025 Camsell Avenue) or at the Administration Office (3021 Birds Hill Road). 
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For more information on the recycling program, please call the East St. Paul Public Works Office at 668-8336 between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
 

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