Some city services have been adjusted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

City asking residents to be mindful of waste and recycling during COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 1, 2020 | 10:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Residents in Lethbridge are being asked to consider what they recycle and toss in their trash bans.

The city says reduced services and closures due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could make managing extra waste and recycling a challenge.

The residential curbside waste and recycling programs continue to be maintained as essential services, but other programs and services have been impacted.

The city is advising residents to consider what options are available for managing or storing extra waste and recycling while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.

WASTE AND RECYCLING CENTRE (LANDFILL) CHANGES

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The city has temporarily suspended free Saturday drop-off and closed the Waste and Recycling Centre on Saturdays to adhere to the provincial government’s mass gathering restrictions.

The site will be accepting essential loads Monday through Friday while keeping its winter hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. rather than moving to the extended summer hours they normally would today (April 1).

Residents are asked to avoid any unnecessary trips to the site by utilizing the curbside collection service and if possible, storing excess material until it is safer to visit the Waste and Recycling Centre.

The city says until further notice, residents should not bring the following materials to the waste site:

· Construction or renovation waste

· Tires, batteries, oil, paint, propane tanks and other household hazardous waste

· Electronics and small appliances

· Scarp metal and large appliances

· Mattresses and other furniture

Residents are asked to contact Lethbridge 311 if there are any extenuating circumstances and they need to dispose of any of the materials listed above.

If anybody does need to visit the Waste and Recycling Centre, they’re asked to practice appropriate physical distancing by leaving at least two metres between themselves and other people. Only cash-less transactions will be accepted at this time.

LARGE ITEM SERVICE MODIFICATIONS

The Large Item Service (LIS) is still available to residents. However, pick-ups of large Freon/metal items like refrigerators and freezers have been suspended, as these items require more staff and resources, making it difficult to follow social distancing regulations.

Each utility account holder has two LIS pick-ups per year, which can be scheduled by calling Lethbridge 311. More details on the LIS pick-up program can be found here.

YARD WASTE SITE OPENING DELAYED

The opening of the seasonal Yard Waste Sites has been delayed until May 1, and possibly longer. This is to limit contact between staff and the public. Residents are encouraged to try out grass-cycling, backyard composting or storing their materials until sites re-open.

COMMUNITY IMPACTS

Multiple community resources have felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Environment Lethbridge’s Reuse Rendezvous bi-yearly free-cycling event has been canceled. The next event is scheduled for the fall of this year.

Additionally, many thrift stores that accept donations for used items are currently closed, which limits the opportunity to reuse material and save it from the landfill.

ILLEGAL DUMPING

Communities across North America have seen an increase in illegal dumping, according to the City of Lethbridge.

Residents are reminded that leaving materials at thrift stores, in alleyways or placing unaccepted material at the city’s recycling stations is detrimental to the health and safety of the community. The city says actions like that will burden the resources needed to manage the COVID-19 response.

For further details on the city’s Waste and Recycling Services, call Lethbridge 311 or visit lethbridge.ca/wrs.