Waste Reduction Week brings compost giveaway, waste diversion resources for residents

The City of Lethbridge is inviting the community to trash wasteful habits by participating in Waste Reduction Week, October 19-23.

Take part in diverting waste from our landfill and create a more sustainable future through reducing, reusing and recycling. Learn more about waste diversion initiatives and programs in Lethbridge – and don't miss out on free compost! 

Food and organic waste 

What happens to the food scraps I toss into my green cart? What about the bagged leaves I put out during Fall Leaf Collection?

Glad you asked! Food and organic waste in Lethbridge are processed into nutrient-rich Coulee Compost for household use and in our city's parks.

And speaking of compost, the City's Waste & Environment team is hosting a Compost Giveaway on Wednesday, October 21, from 1 - 4 p.m., at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena (east parking lot). 

This event is weather permitting and while supplies last. Make sure to bring your own shovels, gloves and containers. Maximum 40 litres of compost per household.  

Construction materials 

Did you know? Concrete, asphalt, brick and other construction materials can be recycled instead of going to the landfill. 

Staff at the City's Waste & Recycling Centre (WRC) process these materials into recycled aggregates so they can be sold and used again for landscaping or construction projects. 

Recycled aggregate products are available for purchase at the WRC, including: 

• 20 mm Recycled Concrete Pavement 
• 20 mm Recycled Asphalt Pavement 
• 20 mm Recycled Brick and Block 
• 20 mm Recycled Porcelain and Stone 
• Unprocessed Brick and Block 

All recycled aggregates are available for $15 per tonne, with a minimum purchase of $5. 

Customers are expected to bring their own equipment and load their own materials. Loading assistance is available for an additional $40 per load, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

E-waste 

Batteries can ignite and explode if they are not discarded properly. They pose a significant risk to Waste & Environment crews and other residents and should never go in your garbage or recycling. 

The Curbside Battery Collection Program returns next month to provide a safe, simple and convenient disposal option for household batteries. 

From November 17-27, gather your old batteries (AA, AAA, C, D and 9V) in a clear resealable plastic bag and set them out for pick-up. On your scheduled green cart collection day, roll your green cart out to the curb and place your battery bags on the lid. 

If you don't have a curbside green cart, you can take your batteries to the Waste & Recycling Centre (during operating hours) or any of the City's three yard waste sites (until November 15). 

For full program details, FAQs and more, go to lethbridge.ca/batterycollection. 

Together, we can protect our environment and infrastructure by keeping batteries out of our landfill. 

Plastics 

As of October 1, Lethbridge residents have more flexibility – literally! – with how they recycle at home and at the City's recycling stations. This is part of Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility framework, which shifts recycling costs from municipalities and taxpayers to manufacturers and producers. 

All stretchy and crinkly bags and wrappers can go in your blue cart. Flimsy plastics are also accepted. This includes: 

• Plastic bags 
• Food wrap 
• Bubble wrap 
• Potato chip bags 
• Snack wrappers 
• Plastic gift bags 
• Pet food bags 

Mixed packaging is blue cart approved, too! Just make sure it's empty before you recycle: 

• Deodorant sticks 
• Toothpaste tubs 
• Single-serve coffee pods 

To see the new ins and outs of your blue cart, go to lethbridge.ca/recycling. 

For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat with 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.