Recycling up 15% in Lethbridge after introduction of curbside collection

By 2021, the City hopes to have half of all recyclable materials from residential properties be recycled. In 2030, that number is expected to reach 65%.

According to Sanchez, fewer people recycle in the summer months as they do in the winter. Despite this, approximately 70% of residents have been taking advantage of the curbside program.

The City’s next priority is the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) sectors. His goal is to achieve a 25% waste diversion by 2021 from businesses.

So far, Sanchez says the people of Lethbridge have been great about not putting hazardous materials in the blue bin.

“We have been seeing an outstanding number of 10% or less of contaminants or residue. When talking to other communities like Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, their residue is between 15-20%.”

One thing he has been seeing, however, is people putting used helium tanks in their curbside recycling bins.

“Even though they have a recycle sign in the tank, that doesn’t mean they can go through the process because they still have compressed gas. It’s a risk for the driver of the truck, it’s a risk for the person at the [Materials Recovery Facility], and what we’re encouraging for residents is there’s another option for them.”

“At the Waste and Recycling Centre, there’s an area where they can bring them and they get recycled through the process they’re supposed to.”

To learn more about curbside recycling in Lethbridge, including what can and cannot be put in your blue bin, use this link.

by David Opinko

Recycling up 15% in Lethbridge after introduction of curbside collection

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