Halifax loosens leaf collection rules after run on paper bags

Halifax has given home owners struggling to properlybag theirleaves and yard waste a reprieve.

On Aug. 1,new rules for sorting garbagecame into effect and includeda prohibition on usingplastic bags for excess leaves.People were told to use heavypaper bags instead.

But retail stores have been unableto keep those bags in stock.

A spokeswomanfor the city says the newprogram is a victim of its own success.

"We understand that residents are trying to do their partby properly preparing this material curbside but have been struggling to find these bags,"saidTiffany Chase.

"Sofor the fall we will continue to allow both clear and orange plasticbags."

The rules banning plastic bags for yard waste will take effect once again in thespring.

City officials hope by that time stores will have a betteridea how many paper bags they need on hand.