Waste Reduction Week events shine spotlight on landfill diversion

The City of Lethbridge is inviting the community to trash wasteful habits by participating in Waste Reduction Week. 

From October 20-24, learn how you can reduce waste and create a more sustainable future through a circular economy. From recycling and repurposing to repairing and reusing, there’s something for everyone! 

Construction Materials Monday 

The construction sector is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world. It’s responsible for 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and more than half of all raw material extraction and consumption. 

Join the Natural Leaders Project on Monday, October 20, from 1:30 - 3 p.m., on a tour of the Waste and Recycling Centre. This tour will primarily focus on construction waste diversion and the Public Drop-off area. It will also include a brief look at the City’s landfill, Material Recovery Facility and Organics Processing Facility. 

This tour is mostly outdoors, so please dress for the weather and wear close-toed shoes. 

Registration is free. Email paige.rosner@lethbridge.ca or call 403-360-0160 to register and learn more.

Textiles Tuesday 

Did you know? Canadians throw out nearly 500 million kilograms of clothing and fabric-containing home goods every year. Globally, textiles waste has increased dramatically due to the rise in clothing consumption and production. 

Fortunately, there’s lots that can be done to divert textile waste from the landfill: 

• Donate gently used clothes and textiles 
• Buy clothes second-hand 
• Repair worn items 
• Repurpose ratty clothes for other household uses 

E-Waste Wednesday 

The City, in partnership with Call2Recycle Canada, is piloting a curbside battery collection program next month. From November 18-28, residents can place old household batteries into a resealable plastic bag and set them out for pick-up. 

Over time, electronics can leak toxic elements, like mercury and lead, which can be harmful to the environment. If thrown in the garbage or recycling, batteries from devices can cause fires at material recycling facilities. 

If you have broken electronics or household items, try getting them fixed at the Repair Cafe! Hosted by Environment Lethbridge and Lethbridge Public Library, the event encourages residents to bring damaged items for repair that might otherwise end up in the landfill. It will run Saturday, October 26, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch of the Library. Register for free and learn more on Lethbridge Public Library’s website. 

Plastics Thursday 

Plastics of any kind can interfere with the organics recycling process. Plastic bags and containers should never go in the green cart – even if they say ‘compostable’ or ‘biodegradable’. To learn more about what’s in and what’s out, download the free Lethbridge Loop app or visit our website. 

Speaking of organics, it isn’t too late to prepare your garden for next year! Scoop up some free compost and mulch at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena (east parking lot) on Thursday, October 23, from 1 - 4 p.m. Bring your own shovel, gloves and containers. (Max. 40 litres each, per household.) 

The City of Lethbridge also has compost for sale year-round at the Waste and Recycling Centre. 

Food Waste Friday 

Want some juicy news? The City of Lethbridge has donated an apple press to the Lethbridge Public Library, now available for community use through the Library of Things.  

Get juicing to make the most of the harvest season and reduce food waste! Visit the Library of Things to discover other useful tools available to borrow for free. 

For more information about Waste Reduction Week, visit the Circular Economy Month website. 

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