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no decrease in waste since pandemic began

RDFFG asking residents to apply COVID-19 grocery store mentality to landfills and transfer stations

Apr 1, 2020 | 2:42 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) wants people to change their mentality when it comes to how they are using landfills and transfer stations.

In a release by the RDFFG, it says that although many of our habits have had to change due to the novel coronavirus, one thing that hasn’t changed is the amount of garbage and recycling that people are generating.

Consider:

  • Is this something that needs immediate disposal (ie. food waste) or can it be disposed later
  • Maximize the use of curbside collection for waste and/or recyclables where available
  • Eliminate all unnecessary trips to landfill and transfer stations
  • Not all bottle depots are open, call ahead before heading out
  • Follow social distancing protocols at landfills and transfer stations (stay 6 ft. away from other people)

In the month of March the Regional District saw an average 120 non-commercial vehicles come to the landfill each day, with a steady amount of traffic since the pandemic was declared.

“We know that many people have extra time at home these days and may be thinking of doing a little spring cleaning or finishing home renovation projects,” said Laura Zapotichny, Manager of Waste Diversion Program for the Regional District. “Those are great projects, but they can result in additional waste coming to our landfills and transfer stations.”

The Regional District is keeping these operations open at this time, however, Zapotichny says their ability to keep those facilities open depends somewhat on how the public uses the sites.

“We have seen a real shift in how people are using their local grocery stores. They are reducing the number of times they shop, limiting cash transactions and practicing social distancing for the safety of other customers, staff and themselves. We are asking people to adapt that same tinking when it comes to the landfill and transfer stations.”—Laura Zapotichny, Manager of Waste Diversion Program for the Regional District

Winter hours will remain in effect for the month of April in order to manage the volume of site visitors at some of the transfer stations, including the Quinn Street Recycle Depot and Transfer Station, Vanway, Valemount, McBride and Mackenzie transfer stations.

All other sites including the Foothills Blvd. Regional Landfill remain open regular hours.

Some recycling depots have closed due to COVID-19 concerns including the Prince George Return It Center, and Elks Bottle Depot in Mackenzie.

To find out which bottle depots remain open click here.