Winter weather brings ice, snow, and cold temperatures that impact all of us. However, with some community-minded preparation we can meet the challenges together. In that spirit, we’ve prepared some simple tips from our Group Buying partner, Waste Connections.

It is important that co-ops keep common pathways, including garbage and recycling areas, clear of snow and ice. This not only helps service providers, including waste collection and delivery drivers, do their jobs, but it also helps keep your neighbours and visitors safe from potential slip-and-fall accidents.

Prepare Now
• Ensure you have enough salt, ice melt and/or sand on hand to get you through multiple snowy days. Co-ops and resident members can access exclusive deals at RONA through our Group Buying program.
• Confirm snow removal contracts and double check that they include removing snow from garbage and recycling areas.
• Ensure you have extra shovels on hand and communicate where residents can find them. Consider pre-recruiting volunteers to help clear pathways if your service provider is unable to access you right away. Residents may want to purchase shoe clips for better traction in icy conditions.
• Don’t forget about entrances! Consider installing non-slip mats or carpet at entrances and high-traffic areas to reduce indoor slip and fall accidents.
• Review any challenges from previous years. If your waste bins are in a spot that becomes unsafe in icy weather, your waste removal company may be able to temporarily move them during the winter.

When Snow and Ice are Forecasted
• Salt sidewalks, common paths, and waste collection areas. If you have underground parking, salt the ramp as well.
• Remind snow removal volunteers of impending snowy forecasts and where shovels and salt are kept, especially if it’s the season’s first snowfall.
• Check in on your neighbours – see who might need help clearing patios or front steps, or even with grocery deliveries.

Managing Snowfall
• Ensure prompt snow removal from common paths, ramps, and waste bin areas. Some municipalities require sidewalks to be cleared by 10 a.m. If heavy snow is predicted, shovel multiple times to prevent deep buildup.
• Do not pile snow in front of bins, compactors, or enclosures. Make sure that bin wheels are clear of any ice and snow. If drivers cannot safely access bins, they cannot be serviced.
• Re-salt cleared areas to prevent fresh ice from forming.
• Check entrances frequently, keep floors of indoor common areas dry, and clean floors and mats more frequently when snow and ice is being tracked inside.

These tips will not only help ensure important services can continue, but they’ll also help keep your neighbours, guests, and service providers safe this winter.

Learn more about waste, recycling, and organic removal services through our Group Buying partnerships.