The recent news that up to eight people have died in Canada from climbing into or being stuck in clothing bins has prompted the City of Markham and Town of Newmarket to take action.
Both municipalities have recently removed the anti-theft mechanisms that create a pinch point along the side of the entrance flaps to their bins.
In Newmarket, as a result of the tragedies involving people trying to get in the bins and dying, the town, along with Diabetes Canada, retrofitted recycling bins located at the Magna Centre, Ray Twinney Recreation Complex and the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall “to increase the safety of the bins for community use”.
Newmarket said it and Diabetes Canada “consulted with industry experts to determine the best way to increase the safety of the bins. Diabetes Canada has removed the arms of the bin that locks to ensure that the door can swing at ease if the main door is open or closes. This retrofit will help decrease the possibility of a person becoming locked in the bins.”
