Duane Hicks
Not all of the signage is even up yet but people already have been utilizing the new “blue box” recycling depot on Sixth Street West behind the Public Works building.
The pull-off to access the four large blue bins only was plowed out Tuesday but they were almost full as of yesterday afternoon, Environmental and Facilities superintendent Doug Herr said during an on-site interview.
The idea of the new depot is to give residents more options for getting rid of their recyclables and enhance access to do so, and “it looks like it a success already,” Herr remarked.
He added people can drop off their recyclables 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is a good alternative for those who are going on holidays and won’t be home for their regularly-scheduled curbside pick-up.
The recyclables acceptable at the depot are the same as those allowed in your “blue box” for curbside pick-up.
“Anything that ties in with curbside ‘blue box’ we can take here,” explained Herr, adding several signs indicating the allowed materials are posted at the recycling depot to remind people.
These materials include:
•Paper—Christmas wrap, paper bags, newsprint and flyers, junk mail, office paper, magazines, cardboard egg cartons, paper tubes, flattened box board, milk cartons, juice cartons, corrugated cardboard, and pop and beer cases;
•Metal—aluminum/steel beverage cans and metal food cans (rinsed); and
•Plastics—#1-#7.
There’s really no limit to the amount of recyclables the public can drop off as long as they meet the above criteria.
As well, since there’s no way to monitor whether drop-offs are made by residents or non-residents, anyone is welcome to use the bins.
Those wanting to recycle glass still must bring it to the glass recycling bin located just around the corner at 900 Wright Ave.
Herr said this bin will continue to be located there so it’s clear that glass and the other recyclables must remain separate.
If the glass bin was located by the others, people might be inclined to mix their glass in with the other materials.
The “blue box” recycling depot will be easy to spot. Town crews currently are in the process putting up large reflective signs facing east and west, which read “Blue Box Recycling Depot” in white letters on a blue field.
These clearly will indicate to motorists that they can pull off the road and use the depot.
In related news, Herr said anyone who has not yet received a 2011-12 refuse collection schedule in their mailbox should contact the Civic Centre (274-5323) or Public Works (274-9893), or pick one up at the Civic Centre or Public Works building.
He added the town has received calls from residents who didn’t get theirs, and is aware some sections of some collection areas were missed.
To address a question regarding the schedule, the fact it does not indicate Family Day (Feb. 21) as a holiday is not a mistake.
Herr explained Family Day is not considered a statutory holiday under the town’s “blue box” collection contract and so pick-up on Feb. 21 will occur as normal.
