As you’re staying at home in self-isolation during COVID-19, your trash and recycling bins are likely filling up fast.
Luckily, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) has decided to keep landfills and transfer stations open to keep its service available for those that need it in response to the pandemic.
As of today (April 2), there are now 17 positive cases in Northern Health of the province's 1,121.
The district says the timing of the virus outbreak also aligns with homeowners and families thinking about Spring-cleaning or home renovation projects.
“Those are great projects, but they can result in additional waste coming to our landfills and transfer stations,” says RDFFG Waste Diversion Program Manager Laura Zapotichny in a news release.
“We have seen a real shift in how people are using their local grocery stores. They are reducing the number of times they shop, limiting cash transactions and practicing social distancing for the safety of other customers, staff and themselves. We are asking people to adapt that same thinking when it comes to the landfill and transfer stations.”
According to the RDFFG, traffic was steady throughout the month of March with an average of 120 non-commercial vehicles coming to landfills each day.
“The Regional District understands how important it is to have the landfills and transfer stations open to serve the public,” adds Zapotichny.
“We hope with the public’s co-operation we can make our facilities safer for everyone and reduce unnecessary pressure put on our sites during this challenging time.”
The Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill is open during its normal operating hours.
Winter hours are in place for April at the Quinn Street Recycle Depot and Transfer Station but closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as transfer stations in Vanway, Mackenzie, McBride and Valemount.
The RDFFG is also asking residents to consider the following when handling household waste and recycling:
- Is this something that needs immediate disposal (ie food waste) or can it be disposed of later?
- Maximize the use of curbside collection for waste and/or recyclables where available
- Eliminate all unnecessary trips to the landfill or transfer stations
- Not all bottle depots are open. Call ahead before you head out
- For everyone’s healthy and safety, please follow social distancing protocols at the landfills and transfer stations and stay 6 feet away from other people
More information is available on the district’s website.
