A Moment with the Mayor: Curbside Collection

Waste is generated daily in both homes and businesses. We are fortunate to have options for managing our waste streams, and how we utilize these options can have a significant impact on our wallets, the environment, and future generations.

The contents of grey garbage carts, commonly used by residents and businesses, are sent directly to the landfill. These items are not inspected by contractors or city staff, as they are already deemed garbage.

Recyclables, such as paper, tin cans, plastics #1 and #2, aluminum foil, cardboard egg cartons, and empty, flattened cardboard boxes, should be placed in blue bags. Shredded paper should not be placed in blue bags, as it can clog sorting machines at the recycling facility. The contents of these blue bags are sent to a recycling centre for sorting and appropriate processing.

The green cart is for diverting organic waste from the landfill. By properly sorting organic waste, we increase the lifespan of our landfill and help reduce future construction and closure costs—expenses that are reflected in every utility bill in Lloydminster. The green cart is collected weekly during the summer and biweekly in winter.

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in contamination levels in green carts, meaning items that do not belong in organic waste are being improperly placed in these carts. This contamination not only raises costs for the contractor, but also leads to an increased volume of waste being sent to the landfill instead of being composted.

Accepted items in the green cart include grass clippings, meat, food-soiled cardboard, such as greasy pizza boxes, shredded paper, tissue, tea bags, coffee grounds, and other materials that break down naturally. However, the green cart is not for non-compostable items such as old garden hoses, rubber gloves, shoes, or anything that does not decompose.

Due to rising contamination levels, the City of Lloydminster, in partnership with GFL Environmental Inc., will begin inspecting the contents of green carts. If the cart contains only acceptable organic waste, it will be emptied. If contamination is found, the cart will not be emptied, and the resident will be responsible for properly disposing of the contents in the correct cart or bag.

Remember, the green cart is not an alternative to the grey cart for disposing of items that don’t fit in your garbage can.

Thank you for doing your part in supporting waste management in our community!

For more information about Curbside Collection, visit Lloydminster.ca/Curbside.

Is your cart missing or in need of repairs? Please let us know by reporting a concern at Lloydminster.ca/ReportAConcern, or by calling Waste Services at 780-874-3700 ext. 2794.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster