Organics contamination on the rise. City poses question to residents: Are you curbside compliant?

Lloydminster, AB/SK – In a bid to foster a sustainable and eco-friendly environment, the City of Lloydminster is stressing the need for the 8,400-plus property owners or occupants enrolled in the curbside collection program to evaluate their compliance with the community’s organic waste disposal requirements. By examining their actions, residents can actively contribute to a greener future and promote a healthier, cleaner community for all.

Since January 2023, the City and its contractor GFL Environmental Inc. have incurred approximately $105,000 in operational costs aimed at addressing improper use of curbside organics collection. In the same timeframe, more than 500 tonnes of contaminated organics have been sent to the landfill. 

“Organics collection plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability, reducing waste and preserving the environment. The City of Lloydminster has an extensive organics collection program to divert organic waste from landfills, promoting composting and other environmentally friendly practices,” says Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the community's participation and adherence to proper disposal guidelines have been lacking.”

The consequences of improper organics disposal are twofold. Firstly, the financial strain is substantial. The $105,000 in costs incurred by the City directly impacts the community's resources and could otherwise be allocated towards vital municipal services or initiatives that benefit all residents. These costs include the expense of landfilling a tonne of contaminated organics, an expense that could be avoided through correct disposal methods.

Secondly, the environmental impact of diverting over 500 tonnes of contaminated organics to landfills is alarming. Organics that end up in landfills contribute to methane emissions, a highly potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, these landfilled organics could have otherwise been repurposed through composting, which enriches soil, reduces water usage and supports a circular economy.

The City of Lloydminster urges all residents who actively participate in the organics collection program and adopt proper disposal practices. Those enrolled in the City’s curbside collection program can visit Lloydminster.ca/curbside for a detailed list of what’s accepted and how to properly sort materials.

Items commonly found in the organics stream

Residents can help save the environment and lower municipal costs by not putting these items in the organics bin:

• Plastic bottles/containers
• Paint cans
• Used engine oil filters
• Animal carcasses
• Metal/Aluminium
• Clean cardboard
• Grocery/garbage bags
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Styrofoam
• Glass
• Clothing and other textiles
• Aerosol cans
• Car batteries
• Diapers
• Shop equipment
• Vinyl tarps
• 3D printers
• Garden hoses
• Eyewear/glasses
• Sporting equipment
• Small engines