There are freebies at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre – drop-off freebies and takeaway freebies.
City of Guelph Solid Waste Resources has changed things up somewhat this spring, making it possible, and perhaps easier for residents to bring in more of their recyclables and reusables without paying fees to do so.
Vehicle tires, electronics, Styrofoam, cardboard, hazardous materials and more can be dropped off through Gate 3 at the centre and placed in the appropriate bin, or passed on to the appropriate attendant. There are two large barrels for on site for motor oil.
And, as in past years, still usable bicycles that are dropped off can also be taken home for free. Household paints, varnishes, solvents, furniture oil, and lamp oil are also available to take away. A waiver has to be signed.
All of this activity has been streamlined this year at the 110 Dunlop Drive facility. Heather Connell, manager of integrated services for solid waste resources, said it appears residents are taking advantage of the programs, and that contributes to a reduction of materials being diverted to landfill.
“These are definitely programs that we are encouraging residents to participate in,” she said.
Garbage being dropped off for which fees are necessary is now going through Gate 1.
“There are several free programs that we offer,” said Connell, “Electronic waste is one of the popular ones we offer, as well as tires from cars and passenger trucks. Any kind of municipal hazardous or special waste, including paints and solvents, batteries, fire extinguishes and propane tanks.”
There’s no need for homeowners to put their yard waste on the curbside and wait for the spring or fall yard waste collection truck to pick them up. That kind of material can be brought by the car, truck or trailer load to the centre for free drop off. Whatever can fit in your vehicle can be dumped off.
“Currently our yard waste is going through Gate 3, and so residents can feel free to bring in their material,” Connell added.
But the approach to managing yard waste, she said, is under review. A report will go to city council in the summer with recommendations on how to proceed. The drop-off of waste at the centre by residents may not be the most efficient way to do it, given the amount of traffic it generates, Connell indicated. Expanded curbside pickup is a possibility.
Residents can also top up their green carts with yard waste each week. “If they have extra they can bring it in to the public drop-off,” she said.
Shelley Lorenz is the Solid Waste Resources waste policy analyst.
“Everything that we collect from a resident we give back to the community at no cost,” she said.
The bicycle recycle program is very popular, especially among families with children. There are currently a number of bikes for small people at the site.
“We give out approximately 350 bicycles per year,” Lorenz said. “We encourage people to bring out bikes that are still in good condition, that are not at the end of their life cycle, and we will put them in a container and allow residents to pick them up at no charge.”
