Tuesday, September 20, 2022 (Wetaskiwin, Alberta) — Starting on Thursday, September 29, glass will no longer be accepted at the Wetaskiwin Recycling Centre (5707 51 Street). The bin for glass collection will be removed from the site.
“It’s important to note that we’re not removing a service that was there before, but instead removing an inefficiency,” explained Kathy Lewin, General Manager of Municipal Services. “There is currently a limited market for glass recycling, so the glass from the Recycling Centre was being transported to the landfill. We’re just cutting out that middle step and saving on the cost of transportation.”
This action comes as a direction of city council following its regular August 22, 2022 meeting. During the meeting, council passed a motion directing administration to investigate contracting landfill services.
This action is the first step in a long-term plan to revamp the City’s waste management programs with the aim of being aligned to current best practices.
“We’re a bit behind the times at the moment and we need to kick start this movement. We want to improve everything about this program: efficiency, environmental impact, modernized technology, and financial impacts,” said Lewin.
The City will be issuing an Expression of Interest notice in the near future to determine interest in opportunities to provide contracted waste services to the community.
In the meantime, residents can put glass in their blue or grey garbage bin as part of their regular garbage pickup.
Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on the levels of service provided by the City by reaching out directly to council. Contact information for mayor and council is available at wetaskiwn.ca/mayor-council.
About the City of Wetaskiwin
Wetaskiwin is a secure, connected, and inclusive community, home to a diverse population of nearly 13,000 people. Located only 30 minutes south of Edmonton International Airport, the City of Wetaskiwin provides a high quality of life through ample recreation opportunities, diverse cultural activities, and a modernized, business-friendly downtown.
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Media contact:
Kristen Hewlett, Interim Communications Manager
City of Wetaskiwin
(p) 780.361.4415 (c) 780.335.2742
kristen.hewlett@wetaskiwin.ca