Round-up keeps hazardous materials out of landfill
By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on April 26, 2023.
Herald photo by Justin Seward
Denise Schmiegelt drops off paint cans and pesticide bottles as Clean Harbors' Cate Braithwaite clears other containers.The Enmax Centre parking lot was lined up with cars of people who were thinking about being environmentally friendly by dropping off their household hazardous waste and electronic waste (E-Waste) during the City of Lethbridge’s Toxic and E-waste Round-Up on Saturday.
“It’s one of three potential events that are going to be occurring in this year just to see what the demand and appetite is for a toxic round-up event more periodically in the city,” said Raene Barber, event organizer.
People could drop off old computers, TVs, light bulbs, paint and oils among other things.
“People are able to drop off their household hazardous waste and electronic waste at the waste and recycling centre year-round,” said Barber.
“But people were asking for a more convenient, free way to dispose of their waste so it’s not going into the garbage.”
The waste was then picked up and recycled as best as it could be.
“We’re just trying to divert as much waste as we can from the landfill and household hazardous waste and E-waste is a bad one to have in the garbage,” said Barber.
Michiel Green dropped off four broken TVs and cables and appreciated the event.
“It would be nice if we could have it a little bit more often,” said Green.
“But it’s great that we were able to have something like this where we can go and get rid of the stuff and not have to pay like an arm and leg for it.”
Green knows a few people who have had E-waste issues.
“And having the drive (thrus) like this would help out quite a bit for a lot of people,” he said.
“I think we have to be concerned about our environment,” said Denise Schmiegelt.
“We have to take care of it. We only have one Earth.”
Schmiegelt brought in paint cans and pesticide bottles.
“They’ve been sitting downstairs for the past year and this was a good time to pack them up and get rid of them,” she said.
Barber is learning that there is a demand for this service in the city.
Barber said it’s been great, in terms of the turnout.
“We’ve had steady traffic,” said Barber.
There were approximately 250 to 300 cars through the line around noon and organizers expected more than 400 by end of the day.
21-20
This is an awesome program and saved me a trip to the dump. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!