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Household Hazardous Waste

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1. What is household hazardous waste?

Household hazardous waste includes:

Products that are corrosive such as batteries, drain cleaners, and oven cleaners.

Products that are flammable or explosive such as paints, oils, aerosols, or propane tanks.

Products that are toxic or poisonous such as bleach, cleaning fluids, and pesticides.

2. How do I properly dispose of household hazardous waste?

The City of Camrose provides an opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous wastes at its two-day Household Hazardous Waste Roundup each June and October.

For specific dates, please contact the Engineering Services Department at (780) 672-4428, or watch for announcements in the local newspapers and on the City website.

3. What precautions should I take when preparing materials for a household hazardous waste roundup?

• Keep all materials in their original containers. If the container is cracked or broken, place it in a leak proof package and label it.
• If you find jars or cans of unidentified / unknown chemicals, take them to the collection site and tell a staff person that you don't know what's inside.
• Never mix unknown substances.
• Any container printed with product warning symbols or precautions about use of the product or instructions on disposal of the container should be included.

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Landfill

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1. Where do I go to get freon removed from my fridge, freezer, or air conditioner?

Most of the local refrigeration companies in Camrose are authorized to remove freon from old appliances. Once the freon is removed, your authorized refrigeration company will attach a sticker indicating that the freon has been properly removed and disposed of. If this sticker is not present when taking the appliance to the landfill, a surcharge is applied.

2. What is the expected lifespan of the landfill?

The landfill opened in 1983 with an expected lifespan of 35 years. Recycling and waste reduction can extend the lifespan significantly. We currently anticipate an approximate closing date around the year 2045 which is a life span of 62 years.

3. Who owns the landfill?

The Province of Alberta owns the landfill. Camrose Regional Solid Waste Authority leases the land from the province. Maplethorpe Contractors Ltd. of Wetaskiwin has been hired to operate and manage the landfill site.

4. How is a landfill different than a dump?

• In a landfill, waste is spread in layers, and compacted tightly. The waste is covered daily by clay.
• Problems that are encountered in open dumping, including insects, rodents, safety and fire hazards, can be avoided with landfilling.
• A landfill is operated under strict Alberta Environment regulations to protect air, water, and soil.
• Much of the waste in a sanitary landfill will decompose, but will take a very long time. The headlines of a newspaper can often still be read after 40 years in a landfill.
• After a landfill has reached capacity, it is covered with topsoil and replanted. Often it is used for pasture, cropland, or recreational purposes.
• A closed landfill is monitored for 25 years or more to avoid soil erosion, excess runoff, and to protect ground water.
• Users of a landfill are charged a fee for dropping off waste.

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Planning & Development - Annexation

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1. Are annexation and expropriation similar?

No. Expropriation involves a municipality taking over ownership of private land and using it for major projects such as roads or water, sewer or utility infrastructure.

Annexation, on the other hand, does not involve a change in land ownership; it means a change in municipal boundaries and jurisdiction. The annexed land becomes part of a different municipality.

2. Once land is annexed, do City bylaws apply?

Upon annexation, all the City’s bylaws become applicable, including noise and nuisance bylaws, and traffic bylaws. These regulatory bylaws apply to all properties in the annexed area. The most commonly requested City bylaws can be viewed online.

3. Will land uses (zoning) of our property change after annexation?

Once annexation is approved, the City automatically inherits Camrose County’s statutory plans, land use, and any other bylaws or regulations that apply specifically to the land in the annexed area. Annexation will not impact the present use of the land in the annexation area.

After annexation, any future changes to land use that are proposed by the City will have to go through a statutory public consultation process.

4. Are properties in an annexed area required to hook up to City water and sewer services?

Water and sewer services become available when development or urbanization occurs in an area. Once that occurs, City services may become available, but connection fees may be charged. Additional Information

5. How will properties be taxed after they are annexed?

The present Memorandum of Understanding recommends current Camrose County assessment provisions and a special tax levy formula be utilized for the next ten years. Annexed properties will be taxed using the lowest municipal tax rate set annually by either the City of Camrose or Camrose County for each property assessment class (residential, farmland and non-residential).

Land and assessable improvements included in the annexation will continue to be assessed on the same basis as if the annexed land had remained in Camrose County. This means:

• Farm buildings will remain exempt from taxation.
• The Rural Assessment Policy exempting a portion of farm residences from taxation will remain in place.
• Farmland property assessments will be taxed using the lower City tax rates (6.9809 instead of 11.11, comparing 2008 tax rates).
• Residential property assessments will be taxed using the lower County tax rates (4.91 instead of 6.9809, comparing 2008 tax rates).
• Non-residential property assessments will be taxed using the lower County tax rates (12.37 instead of 13.7726, comparing 2008 tax rates).
• Machinery and equipment currently taxable in the County will become exempt from taxation.

These assessment provisions and special taxation formulas will remain in effect for 10 years or until any of the following occurs:

• A property is re-designated to a different land use under the City of Camrose Land Use Bylaw, at the request of, or on behalf of the landowner,
• A development permit is issued for a property,
• The landowner initiates or supports a City of Camrose local improvement project to supply water and sanitary sewer service to their property, or
• A property is connected to water or sanitary sewer services provided by the City of Camrose.

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Plumbing Inspections

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1. I am planning on building a new house and the City of Camrose has issued the building permit; do I need other permits?

You will require plumbing, gas, and possibly private sewage permits. Permits ensure that your installation is done in accordance with Provincial codes and the Safety Codes Act. Completing plumbing and gas fitting without the proper permits and inspections can lead to costly repairs in the future.

2. Who should apply for the permits, me or my contractor?

If you have hired contractors to do the work, they are responsible to obtain the permits.

If you are doing the work yourself, you may obtain the permit, provided you are the owner and you live or will be living at the premises (some restrictions may apply).

3. I received an Inspection Report; what is it?

An Inspection Report informs the permit holder that an inspection was completed, and identifies any deficiencies that were found. When the corrections are made, the report is signed by the permit holder, and then returned to Inspection Services at the City of Camrose.

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Private Sewage Inspections

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1. Will the installer obtain a permit and provide you with an inspection report?

Make sure the person doing the work for you is a certified installer.

The owner is entitled to a copy of the permit and inspection report(s). A copy of the permit and inspection report may be required if and when you sell your property.

2. Have the specific characteristics of your home been considered in determining what the "expected volume of sewage per day" used to design the system is?

Minimum volumes are specified in the Standard and are based on the number of bedrooms for a basic home. If your home has features beyond the basic home that might increase water use, additional volumes should be included.

The soil under the surface can change rapidly. A thin soil layer below the bottom of your system can prevent or slow the sewage effluent soaking into the soil, causing the system to fail. Soils saturated with water during parts of the year can also cause a system to fail.

The underlying soils must be analyzed to identify soil layers that affect system performance, and determine if there are saturated soil conditions present that can harm the system.

3. I received an Inspection Report, what is it?

An Inspection Report informs the permit holder that an inspection was completed and identifies any deficiencies that were found. When the corrections are made, the report is signed by the permit holder, and then returned to Inspection Services at the City of Camrose.

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Recreation Facilities and Parks

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1. What is Community Services?

Community Services is the City department that is responsible for aquatics, arts and culture, recreation facilities, the golf course, parks and the cemetery in the City of Camrose. The phone number for Community Services is 780-672-9195. Community Services Information

2. Where is the Community Services Department located?

The Community Services Office is located in the Aquatic Centre at 5600 - 44 Avenue (Rudy Swanson Park at 53 Street & 44 Avenue) but our mailing address is 5204 - 50 Avenue, Camrose T4V 0S8

3. Do you have a chlorine or salt water pool?

We have a salt system called a Lectranator. In this process, salt is added to the pool water, but chlorine is still produced, so the answer is yes to both.

4. What is the temperature of the main pool?

The main pool is kept at 29.5 degrees Celsius.

5. Why is the pool water so cold?

Due to health regulations, a main pool should be maintained under 30 degrees Celsius. If our wading pool was separate from the main pool, we would be able to increase its temperature.

Another reason we can’t make the pool warmer than 29.5 degrees is because we need to find a happy medium for both the young children and the lane swimmers who would have a difficult time working out in warmer water.

6. What is the temperature of the hot tub?

The hot tub is kept at 39.5 degrees Celsius.

7. Why is the hot tub not kept at a higher temperature?

According to public health regulations, a public hot tub cannot be maintained above 40 degrees Celsius.

8. How old does my child need to be to swim unsupervised?

Children under the age of seven must be supervised in the water and within arm's reach of a responsible individual 14 years or older.

9. Does the Aquatic Centre have lifejackets available?

The Aquatic Centre rents lifejackets for $1. To receive a lifejacket, pay at the front desk and get a stamp. The lifeguard on deck will then provide a life jacket.

10. Does the Aquatic Centre have lockers available?

Locks are available at the front desk for $0.50 rental fee plus a $2 deposit. You are permitted to bring your own lock to use while you swim, but personal locks must be removed daily.

11. Are private swimming lessons available?

Yes. Call the Aquatic Centre at (780) 672-9909 to book a private lesson.

12. Does a Fitness Centre pass include the Aquatic Centre?

The Fitness Centre pass includes any of our Lane Swim times.

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Recycling

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1. Why do I pay a recycling fee on my utility bill when I don't recycle?

After an in-depth study, the City of Camrose concluded that supporting Recycle with Centra-Cam Collection Depot is the most economical way to provide recycling services.

The recycling service is funded through a monthly surcharge on municipal utility bills, along with revenue collected from the sale of the recycled products. Together these ensure a consistent level of funding for the program.

So take advantage of this service, and recycle.

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Sanitary Sewer System

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1. What is wastewater?

Wastewater is what we flush down the toilet and what goes down our drains. It comes from many different sources, both domestic and industrial, and contains many different compounds.

Contrary to what most people believe, our wastewater does not contain exotic chemicals, metals, or highly toxic substances. Our wastewater is composed primarily of natural organic substances, which are byproducts of human, animal, and plant processes.

The primary elements in our wastewater include nitrogen, phosphorous, ammonia, and carbon. Camrose Creek naturally contains all of these substances. However, the large quantities present in the wastewater could be harmful if they were not removed. The Camrose wastewater treatment facility removes about 90% of these compounds before the water is released to the environment.

2. What produces residential wastewater?

The major household contributors of wastewater are toilets, sinks, showers, and floor drains.

Most of the water used in a home ends up in the sanitary sewer system.

• 40% is flushed down the toilet


• 30% is used in showers and baths


• 15% is used for dishwashing and laundry

Combined, these account for 85% of household wastewater and the majority of residential wastewater.

Another major source of wastewater comes from the weeping tiles in some homes. Weeping tiles are pipes surrounding the foundation of buildings that absorb any excess moisture near the foundation to protect it from water damage. Weeping tiles in houses built in Camrose between 1970 and 1994 discharge foundation water into the sanitary sewer system.

Unfortunately, improper grading can result in large amounts of surface water entering the sanitary sewer during rainstorms. During major storms, these large flows can overload a sanitary system, causing sewage backup and widespread basement flooding.

To control this flooding and put the responsibility for lot grading back on homeowners, City Council passed a bylaw in 1994 which prohibited the connection of weeping tiles to the sanitary sewer. This change should significantly reduce the amount of water in the sanitary sewer system in new areas, especially during major storms.

3. What can go down the drain?

Camrose has strict bylaws pertaining to wastewater disposal, which help protect the environment from harmful substances that our treatment system may not be able to remove. The bylaws, including the City of Camrose Sewer Bylaw, impose strict penalties for discharging harmful substances into the sewers.

In general, anything that could harm the sewer, animals, vegetation or humans is not permitted in the sewer system. These include but are not limited to:

• paints


• organic solvents


• any corrosive matter (by itself or in combination)


• any dye that may alter the color of sewage works effluent.

The strength of the wastewater is measured by how quickly a sample of a specific size consumes oxygen at a given temperature. The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of our wastewater before treatment averages around 280 mg/L. After treatment the BOD is approximately 8 mg/L.

Note: Copies of all bylaws are available at City Hall located at:
5204-50 Ave.
Camrose, AB T4V 0S8

4. How is sanitary disposal regulated?

Inspectors can test the quality of the wastewater entering the system. This allows the City to regulate disposal and ensure compliance with the bylaw. If anyone is found discharging harmful or prohibited substances into the sewer system, the City can impose strict fines or disconnect their public sewer service.

Some industries have wastewater with high levels of phosphorous, nitrogen, or grease. While not prohibited, these high levels cause increased maintenance and operational costs to treat the sewage. If the strength of the wastewater is above the levels specified in the bylaws, the City can either levy extra charges for the treatment or require the industry to pre-treat its waste.

5. What does the treatment process remove?

Because sanitary waste in Camrose is primarily composed of organic matter, a natural treatment system is used. By bubbling large volumes of air through the wastewater, the natural processes of organic decomposition are enhanced. No chemical systems are used. The aeration system removes most of the nutrients found in the water. These include phosphorous, nitrogen, and carbon.

Removing the nutrients in the wastewater is crucial in limiting environmental damage to Camrose Creek. In addition to removing the organic substances in the water, the process also removes solid debris such as rocks, clay, sticks, cans, and rags.

The City's treatment system does not have a magic process which can remove any and all pollutants. This is why we need the Sewer Bylaw and the cooperation of our citizens and industries. Limited amounts of heavy metals and other chemicals are removed by a settling process and are retained by the sludge which forms at the bottom of the storage lagoon, but the system cannot handle large amounts of these types of substances.

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Snow and Ice Control

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1. After a snowfall, when are the snow plows sent out and how long will it take to clear the streets?

Following a heavy snowfall. Streets are maintained in a priority sequence outlined in the Winter Road Maintenance Policy. Wind direction and traffic volumes generally determine which roadways or areas receive highest priorities.

2. My street is slippery, what are the sanding priorities?

Sanding operations are initiated as soon as warranted at the discretion of either the Director of Public Works or his delegate. Streets are sanded according to the priority sequence outlined in the Winter Road Maintenance Policy. Special attention is given to intersections, hills and curves.

3. When are non-residential property owners required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalk?

After a snowfall a non-residential property owner shall, within 24 hours (excluding Sundays and holidays), remove all snow and ice from any sidewalk adjacent to the said property according to the Snow Removal Bylaw.

4. When are residential property owners required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalk?

After a snowfall a residential owner shall, within 72 hours (excluding Sundays and holidays), remove all snow and ice from any sidewalk adjacent to the said property according to the Snow Removal Bylaw.

5. Is depositing snow, ice, or dirt upon a public sidewalk or roadway allowed?

No, it is not permitted.

6. Does the City clear snow from the Trail System within the park areas?

It is not required but cleared as time permits. For more information call Community Services at 780-672-9195.

7. If damage is caused to any sidewalk by a property owner while clearing snow and ice who is responsible for repairs?

The property is owner is responsible for damages.

8. Is depositing snow, ice or dirt upon any drainage ditch, culvert end or catch basin allowed?

No, it is not permitted.

9. Is depositing snow, ice or dirt on any fire hydrant or in the area adjacent to a fire hydrant allowed?

No, it is not permitted.

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Taxation

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1. How is the property tax rate set?

City Council approves the City’s annual operating and capital budgets in December each year. The revenue expected from provincial grants, utility revenues and user fees is subtracted from the total expected expenditures to determine the property tax amount needed for that year.



Each May, City Council sets the property tax rates by passing a Tax Rate Bylaw. Rates are determined by dividing the total property tax amount needed among the total taxable assessed value for city properties. There are separate rates for residential, non-residential and farmland.

2. When are tax notices mailed out?

Property Assessment and Tax Notices are mailed out by mid May each year. If you have not received your tax notice by the end of May, please contact the Tax Department at (780) 672-4426.

3. When are taxes due, and what is the penalty for late payments?

Taxes are due on or before June 30. On July 1, a 6% penalty is applied to the outstanding balance of the current taxes. In addition, a 1.5% penalty on outstanding taxes is added on the first of each subsequent month.

4. What options do I have for paying taxes?

You can pay your tax bill:

• In person at City Hall, 5204-50 Ave. between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. For tax payments we accept cash, cheque, and direct debit.
• Mail payment to City Hall 5204-50 Ave., Camrose, AB T4V 0S8.
• Drop your payment into our secure drop slot on the side of our main south doors.
• Through your financial institution: either over the counter, telephone banking, or online.
• View our page on Payment Options

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Unidirectional Flushing Program

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1. Why are we flushing?

Slow moving water in the water mains allows mineral and sediments to deposit and accumulate over time. These deposits can result in water color and water quality problems and contribute to the corrosion of some of the pipes.

2. What are the benefits of flushing the watermains?

The benefits include maintaining and potentially improving the water quality level in the water mains. Flushing can also reduce bacterial growth, restore disinfectant residual, improve color and turbidity, control corrosion and can help restore flow and pressures in the water distribution system. A preventative maintenance program can also be implemented on valves and hydrants in conjunction with the flushing program at very little additional cost.

3. What is the Time Frame for the UDF Program?

The flushing will occur starting in July and run for approximately 2-3 months.

4. How will I be affected?

Flushing will generally occur from 8:00am to 4:30pm for most areas. The hydrants in the certain areas will be open and discharging the water. There may be a slight drop in pressure or a presence of discoloration from the minerals and sediments that are being flushed out. Service should not be disrupted during the flushing process.

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Utility Customer Services & Billing

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1. How do I sign up for water services, or get my water turned off?

To sign up for water service to an existing property, please contact the Utility Department at (780) 672-4426.

If you do not have a water and sewer line from the main to your property, please contact the Public Works Department at (780) 672-5513.

To get your water service turned off or disconnected, please contact the Utility Department at (780) 672-4426.

2. What if my water bill is higher than normal?

Please check the billing period on your statement. If may be that you have been using more water in that period to water your lawn or garden. You could also have a leaky faucet or leaking toilet. For more information, please view our Water Conservation Brochure.

3. When will I receive my monthly water bill?

The City of Camrose has two billing cycles. Bills are due on either the first or the 16th of each month, depending on where you live in the City. If your bill is due on the 1st of the month, you can expect to receive your bill by the middle of the month. If your bill is due on the 16th of the month, you can expect to receive your bill by the end of each month.

4. Where can I pay my water bill?

View payment information.

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Waste Collection

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1. What's my collection day for my compostable materials?

All compostable materials should be ready for collection by 7:45 am on the morning of your collection day. Compostable materials collection will occur on the same day as your regular waste collection by separate vehicle. May through October is weekly collection. November through April is bi-weekly collection. For a map of the collection areas, click on residential collection schedule. Residential Collection Schedule

2. What's my collection day for my regular waste collection?

All regular waste should be ready for collection by 7:45 am on the morning of your collection day. Regular waste collection will occur on the same day as your compostable materials pick up by separate vehicle. For a map of the collection areas, click on residential waste collection schedule. Residential Waste Collection Schedule

3. What happens if I don't handle my regular waste or compostable materials properly?

To maintain the sanitation and safety of the collection process, the City has established requirements for the handling of all regular and compostable materials. When any of these requirements have not been met, the contractor has no obligation to collect the regular and compostable materials. To ensure these materials are collected properly check out the Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw. Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw

4. What items are NOT accepted or collected as residential waste?

• Household hazardous waste such as paints, motor oil, pesticides, oven and toilet cleaners, and solvents. A round-up is held at the Public Works Yard, 4202 – 51 Avenue every June and October. Watch the local newspapers or the City website for the exact dates.
• Large items such as furniture, mattresses, televisions, and appliances
• Construction / renovation materials such as drywall, carpeting, lumber, etc.
• Tree stumps, unbundled branches.
• Tires, large metal parts, etc.

For more information click on the Solid Waste Collection and Diversion Bylaw.
Solid Waste Collection and Diversion Bylaw

5. Why is the City introducing Compostable Materials Collection for residential waste customers?

As part of a waste reduction strategy that was adopted by Council in 2010, the City has set a goal of reducing the amount of residential waste going to the landfill by 50% in 5 years. Since the majority of household waste is compostable materials, a compostable materials collection program can make a large impact.

6. When does the Compostables Collection Program start?

The collection program begins April 1, 2011 in conjunction with the enforcement of the residential waste bag limit. Compostable materials collection will begin on a bi-weekly basis for the month of April and move to weekly collection for the months of May through October. Bi-weekly collection will begin again in November for the winter months. Yard Waste and Limited Kitchen Organics Collection

7. What do I have to do to have my compostables collected?

To have your compostable materials collected as part of the program (and not as part of your regular waste bag limit), your compostable materials need to be set out at least 1 metre (or 1 yard) from your regular waste. You can use “bag to earth” compostable yard waste bags (available at most hardware and retail locations) or a separate dedicated metal or plastic bin. Make sure your bags are labelled “compostable” by the manufacturer or your bin is clearly labelled as “Yard Waste” or “Compostable Materials”. Please remember that your bags or containers must be less than 20kg (44lbs).

8. Can I use plastic garbage bags if I label them "yard waste"?

No plastic bags can be accepted. Please use a compostable yard waste bag or a plastic or metal bin. Regular plastic bags may be confused for regular waste and may be counted as part of your bag limit.

9. How much are compostable bags and where can I get them?

Compostable bags are available at most retail outlets and cost approximately $0.50 per bag. Please double check that they are labelled “compostable” and not biodegradable by their manufacturer.

10. How much does the residential compostable materials collection program cost me?

This program is currently limited to single family, duplex, triplex and fourplex residences which already use City waste collection services. Applicable residences will be charged $4.15 per month on their monthly utility bill. The fee is charged each month, whether or not the service is used in any particular month.

11. Why do I have to pay the compostables collection fee all year round when collection is biweekly in the winter?

The monthly charge for the program is the total annual cost of collection divided by 12 months. Instead of charging more in the summer and less in the winter, it is easier on residents to spread the charge over the entire year.

12. What items ARE collected and accepted for compostable materials collection?

• Grass clippings & leaves, garden waste including weeds and soft plant roots;
• Small shrubbery and hedge prunings (excluding large tree branches, stumps, roots and logs); (Bundle small branches and tie with a compostable fibrous string or jute twine)
• All fruit and vegetable waste and their peelings or like spoilage waste or decomposing matter (No meat, dairy, or bones);
• Coffee grounds & filters, tea bags,
• Food soiled paper or cardboard (like pizza boxes, paper towels/napkins, etc)
• Sawdust (untreated wood)

Please note that animal waste is not considered compostable material and should not be set out as such.

13. Is there a limit on the amount of compostable materials that I can set out for collection?

There is no limit on the number of bags or containers of compostable materials that can be set out for collection. In order to avoid confusion with the regular waste bag limit, please make sure your compostable materials are properly labelled “yard waste” and set 1 metre apart from your regular waste.

14. Are the compostable bags weather-proof?

Most compostable bags are weatherproof. Items for compostable materials collection may be stored indoors until the collection day to avoid any problems.

15. Will the composting bunker at the Recycle with Centra Cam Collection Depot still be available?

Yes. If you wish to transport your compostable materials to the recycling collection depot, you are welcome to do so however if you do, there is no option to opt out of the compostable materials monthly collection fee.

16. With the introduction of a compostable materials collection fee will the recycling fee remain the same?

Yes. The recycling fee is set annually by Council as part of the budgeting process and is separate from this program. The recycling fee goes towards maintaining the Recycling with Centra Cam Recycling Depot.

17. What items are NOT collected or accepted as compostable waste?

• No large tree branches, stumps, root and logs.
• No meat/fish/bones or dairy products
• No animal waste.

For more information click on the Solid Waste Collection and Diversion Bylaw.
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw