A Moment with the Mayor: Pitch-In Week & Recycling Roundup

Spring is beginning to arrive in Lloydminster, and as the snow recedes, litter and garbage that built up over the winter becomes more visible across roads, ditches, and open spaces.

Much of this can be avoided with proper disposal in the first place. Using waste bins, compost bags, or blue bags helps ensure materials are recycled or composted where possible. When items are left behind, they are often collected and taken to the City landfill, which remains the most costly way to manage waste.

This time of year also brings the community together. Residents, students, organizations, and neighbours are preparing for Pitch-In Week, running from April 27 to May 3. City activities, presented by Mary Brown’s, offer an opportunity to take pride in shared spaces and work together to clean up the community.

To support these efforts, the City offers Pitch-In Kits to make cleanup activities easier and safer. Kits can be reserved online until April 21 and will be available for pickup starting April 22 at the City of Lloydminster Operations Centre (6623 52 Street).

Young people continue to play an important role in these efforts, leading by example through cleanup activities, sharing information, and encouraging others to take part in keeping the community clean. An art and colouring contest will also highlight the creativity of younger residents while tying into Pitch-In Week activities.

Activity sheets will be available beginning April 20 at City Hall, the Lloydminster Public Library, the City Operations Centre, and online at Lloydminster.ca/PitchIn. Children aged four to eight are invited to complete a colouring sheet, while youth aged nine to 16 can submit artwork using the art sheet. Submissions will be displayed at Mary Brown’s 18 Street Crossing location and included in a community-wide voting period. Entries must be submitted by May 3 at 5 p.m., with online voting taking place on the City’s Facebook page from May 5 to 9.

Pitch-In Week will wrap up with the annual Recycling Roundup on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds south parking lot. Attendants will be on site to help guide residents to the appropriate drop-off areas.

The event provides an opportunity to dispose of items not accepted in regular garbage, blue bag, or compost programs. It is presented by the Alberta Recycling Management Authority and organized in partnership with the City of Lloydminster, the RM of Wilton No. 472, and the RM of Britannia No. 502.

The Recycling Roundup is free to attend and supports the safe disposal of household hazardous materials. Residents are encouraged to take part and do their part in keeping Lloydminster clean this spring. For more information, visit Lloydminster.ca/RR.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster