The City of Vancouver is allowing residents affected by the civic strike to dump their garbage in their bin that is usually reserved for grass and yard trimmings.

Peter Judd, deputy city engineer, said Thursday the temporary move is intended to alleviate garbage pile-ups around the city.

Some residents said they appreciate any extra bit of space where they can put over-grown piles of garbage.
(CBC)

"Clearly [the strike] is going to go on a little longer so this will give people an alternative to storing waste in their basement or wherever else they're putting it during this period," Judd said.

The city's 1,800 outside workers, represented by CUPE Local 1004, walked off the job on July 20, forcing city hall to suspend some municipal services, including residential garbage collection.

Some residents told CBC News they appreciate any extra bit of space where they can put the over-grown pile of garbage.

"It's probably the best they can do under the circumstances," Roberta Rich said. "Is it enough? No. But what's the alternative? End the strike! That's what I'd like to see happen."

But CUPE Local 1004 president Mike Jackson said he's worried the change will take pressure away from the city to end the strike.

"If they're telling the public that they're giving them the extra space to do that, it means they are not willing to get to the table and get anything done," he said.

The city will release a special pickup schedule for the extra bags of garbage after the strike ends, Judd said.