Airdrie residents are being reminded to work together and promote responsible recycling to keep the Westside Recycling Depot free of illegal dumping.
According to Susan Grimm, environmental services team leader, residents may not understand that “dumping” is considered to be anything left on the ground at the site, regardless of whether it’s accepted there or not.
“We have people leaving cardboard boxes that are not broken down beside the bins because they are assuming the bins are full,” she said.
“If the material you have does not fit in the openings provided, it needs to be broken down or brought to the eastside. The bins are specifically designed with the smaller openings to prevent product contamination and to maximize the capacity of the bins so that we are hauling full loads of materials.”
Illegal dumping is subject to a fine of up to $1,000. Additional clean up, caused by illegal dumping, is paid for by recycling fees charged on residents’ utility bills and Grimm warns that these fees could increase.
“It is our ultimate goal to work with residents towards responsible recycling,” said Grimm.
“In cases where the bins have been hauled away to be dumped or are full and awaiting pick up, we ask residents to either bring their recycling to the eastside depot during business hours or visit the west side later in the day when the bins have been emptied.
Our operators visit the site a minimum of twice a day to monitor the site and ensure the bins are being emptied. ”
The Westside Recycle Depot, located in the Home Depot parking lot, has been operating since April 1, 2010. Since then, environmental services has processed 252,840 kgs of material from this location including 75,110 kgs of newspaper, 52,140 kgs of mixed paper, 97,640 kgs of cardboard, 10,970 kgs of plastic 16,980 kgs of metal.
The Westside Depot does not accept certain items including paint, household hazardous waste, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, household glass or plastic film.
Grimm said City staff has not seen the same illegal dumping at the Eastside Recycling Depot.
“The eastside depot is more closely monitored and people seem to respect that,” she said.
For more information on what is accepted at various locations, call 403-948-0246 or view the “Quick Guide to Recycling” at www.airdrie.ca
