By Troy Gillard

service ends friday

Lacombe ending curbside recycling

May 28, 2019 | 5:09 PM

The City of Lacombe is trashing its curbside recycling program.

Council voted on Monday to allow the City’s current five-year recycling collection contract with Environmental 360 Solutions (ES360, formerly CanPak Environmental) to expire this Friday, May 31.

The City found itself facing a 66% hike in the cost of its contract with ES360 from $4.50/dwelling/month to $7.49 (an overall increase from $240,000 to $400,000) along with a drop in the amount of recyclable items being accepted.

“Unfortunately, the recycling industry as a whole is affected by the changes abroad, and it is difficult to assess when the industry will change, and if it will change,” Jordan Thompson, Director of Operations and Planning, told Council in reference to decisions by China and other countries to stop accepting wholesale recycling products.

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The City of Lacombe issued a request for proposal (RFP) for a new recycling collection contract with ES360 submitting the lone bid.

Council has directed City administration to monitor the state of the recycling industry and report on opportunities to re-establish a residential curb side recycling program in Lacombe when viable.

“I want people to appreciate the fact that Council is not turning its back on recycling,” implored Mayor Grant Creasey. “Due to the challenges faced by the recycling industry nation-wide, only a fraction of the materials currently placed in residential blue bins is actually recycled, therefore significant changes are needed to Lacombe’s residential recycling program if it is to continue.”

“I think we need to reiterate to citizens that we are trying to be advocates of recycling and the environment, but the increased cost and less pickup is ridiculous,” Councillor Chris Ross said during debate on Monday.

Administration had proposed entering into a four-month contract with ES360 to provide a transitional period for residents. However, Council chose to let the existing contract expire and save on costs.

Lacombe residents are now left with the recycling site on Wolf Creek Drive, operated by Waste Management, as their lone option for dropping off recyclable materials.

““The City will also be emphasizing existing but underutilized waste diversion programs such as home composting in the coming weeks,” said Thompson.

Ending curbside recycling pickup means the City of Lacombe expects to see a Solid Waste Utility surplus at year’s end. How that surplus will be allocated, including possible upgrades to the Wolf Creek Recycle Site, will be discussed during 2019 Budget deliberations this fall.

Council voted unanimously (6-0) to end curbside recycling. Councillor Don Gullekson was absent.

Curbside recycling began in Lacombe in April 2014.