Uxbridge started examining how to deal with trash left at curbs late last year, when Ben Kester, director of public works, said downtown residents were missing the 7 a.m. pick-up time on Tuesdays and Fridays. The service was extended to four days a week to deal with the problem as an interim solution.

The extension helped clear garbage that was left on downtown streets, but proved too costly to continue.

In a recent report, Mr. Kester noted the Township cannot enforce a specific pick-up time for waste collection as per a dated municipal bylaw, adding the Region took over responsibility for residential trash collection in Uxbridge in 2002 and doesn't have a replacement bylaw controlling trash times.

Mr. Kester said he sought legal advice on the matter regarding introducing an anti-littering law, but "it is difficult to secure a conviction." Another solution is to place large garbage bins at the back of Brock Street residential buildings, but "bins may not be able to be placed at every address," noted Mr. Kester.

Mr. Kester suggested Township staff approach the Region to formulate a new bylaw, but concerns arose regarding the role of Uxbridge bylaw staff to enforce it, prompting councillors to send the idea back to staff for further review.