City Government

Ring in the New Year by Recycling Right

December 29, 2010

With the holidays wrapped up, Edmonton’s recycling facility is filled to the brim with the wrappings left over from the festivities.

“Our volumes double after the holiday, making it the busiest time of year at the City’s Materials Recovery Facility,” says Pat Church, spokesperson with the City of Edmonton’s Waste Management Branch. “To process this much material, it’s important residents recycle the right materials.”

Rope, cables, extension cords, Christmas lights, automotive parts and scrap metal can cause equipment damage and shutdowns at the Materials Recovery Facility. Residents should take these items to an Eco Station instead.

“If you are not sure if an item is recyclable, check first,” says Church. “Recently, a jack that was in a blue bin got jammed in the equipment. It cost $30,000 in repairs, and the two hours of downtime put the facility 40 tonnes behind in processing,” says Church.

Edmontonians are avid recyclers, as Edmonton has one of the highest rates of voluntary recycling participation in North America. “Our residents love to recycle, we just want to remind them to make sure what they put in their blue bag or blue bin belongs there,” says Church.

For a complete list of what can be recycled and what should be taken to an Eco Station residents can visit www.edmonton.ca/waste or call 311.

The City also has a video showing what happens at the Materials Recovery Facility.