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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - City councillors met Monday to discuss whether $12,000 was too big a price to pay for six garbage/recycling receptacles.

The bins, which will be placed downtown on behalf of the downtown enhancement committee, cost about $1,750 each, plus about $200 each for the removal of old garbage cans and the installation of the new bins.

An example of the type of double bin the city is considering for purchase at $1,750 each. - photo courtesy of Jeff Humble

Council is to decide on the purchase during next Tuesday's council meeting.

"Two thousand dollars a pop for garbage containers is a bit steep," commented Coun. David Wind.

"I encourage administration to do a trial before buying them all," added Coun. Kevin Kennedy.

However, the city gathered numerous quotes for the double-bin style cans, said Jeff Humble, director of planning and lands. All were in the $2,000 price range, he said, with some reaching up to $2,500 each.

The bins in question feature lids on the recycling side which prevent anyone from taking the cans and bottles out, presumably in hopes of taking the items to a depot for cash.

Some councillors questioned whether this would place undue hardship on the city's homeless who rely on turning in bottles for a small source of income.

"Maybe we should allow people to do that," said Coun. Paul Falvo, suggesting recycling bin openings should be large enough to allow bottles and cans to be taken out.

As an alternate option, the city can look at arranging for the Salvation Army to turn in recyclables for some cash, said Coun. Shelagh Montgomery.

The bins are also mounted on the sidewalk to prevent them from being moved or vandalized.

"This committee has to see through the lens of downtown enhancement," said Coun. David McCann, explaining part of the cost. The bins in question "fit in with the decor of the streets," he added.

Coun. Bob Brooks commended the committee for introducing a recycling component to downtown Yellowknife.

Cheaper bins, such as those made out of recycled oil drums, would likely get strewn about the street, kicked over, or even raided by birds, he added.

"There's a good reason why (the city) picked the type they did."