FAQ

Q.      Why does the County charge for disposal of items, like metal?  Don’t you get money when you turn some of those items in?

A.       The disposal fees cover the costs for operating the transfer station as well as any transportation costs with taking items to the appropriate facilities. Currently, Parkland County does not receive money for turning in metal, but continue with the metal recycle program as a means of diverting waste from the landfills.

Q.      Why did the County move to blue bag recycling? We prefer the bins.

A.       Significant research was done as part of Parkland County’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, adopted by County Council in March 2009. Studies have shown that the easier it is to recycle, the more people will make the effort to recycle. Since implementing the blue bag program in the County, we have seen a significant increase in the amount of recycling brought to the transfer stations, reducing the amount of waste going to landfills. We continue to have the bins available for those who prefer to sort their recyclables. 

Q.      I heard that recycling is a waste of time as it just ends up in the landfill anyway.

A.       Stories like this have been circulating for some time, but are based on old information. The recyclables collected at the Parkland County transfer stations are sent to the recycle station in the west end of Edmonton, where they are sorted and distributed to the various facilities that repurpose the materials.

Q.      Parkland County needs to improve recycling by accepting more items in the blue bags.

A.       We are proud to announce that the County’s blue bag program is a very inclusive and comprehensive program comparable to those in urban areas like Stony Plain, Spruce Grove and the City of Edmonton.  The list of accepted materials continues to expand, and includes plastic bags (retail store, frozen food bags, plastic storage bags, etc.), plastic film (i.e. Saran Wrap), as well as the other numbered plastics, paper, glass, tin cans, cardboard, and other traditionally accepted items.  Items need to be rinsed and clean before being put in the blue bag.

The transfer stations also accept used household batteries, propane tanks, aerosol cans, clothing, paint, electronics and household hazardous waste.

We continue to determine the feasibility of collecting Styrofoam, but have noticed a trend with businesses reducing the use of Styrofoam in favour of more readily-recyclable items including cardboard packaging.

Q.      Why can’t I bring upholstered furniture, clothing, or mattresses to the Take it or Leave it facility?

A.       The Take it or Leave it facility is a small space with limited ability to protect items such as sofas, chairs, mattresses and clothes from damaging elements such as sun, dust, rain, snow and rodents. Rather than bringing furniture to the transfer station, you may wish to contact one of the local charities instead, who may even pick up the items from you for free.  We do accept clothing in the Canadian Diabetes donation bin located onsite.

Q.      Why don’t you accept barbeques at the Take it or Leave it facility?

A.       During the summer months, Parkland County receives as many as 50 used barbeques a week, most of which are unusable and beyond repair. Rather than filling up the Take it or Leave it area, we direct all used barbeques to the metal recycle bin. As we are then required to transport the items to another facility, we need to charge for the drop off of used barbeques.

Q.      I have some baby furniture that I no longer need. Can I bring these items to the Take it or Leave it facility?

A.       We can accept some items, such as dressers or toys, providing they are clean and in good condition. However, we cannot accept items such as cribs and car seats as the safety standards change frequently and unsafe items could prove to be a hazard to the next family.

Q.      I recently renovated my home and have some windows and doors that are in good condition that can be used. Can I bring those to the Take it or Leave it facility?

A.       We appreciate the thoughtfulness of County residents who would like to recycle and reuse renovation and construction materials. Unfortunately, our Take it or Leave it facility is a very small space and we are unable to manage the quantity of items that would be dropped off. Glass windows and mirrors pose a particular hazard for our employees and visitors to the site. We recommend checking with one of the facilities in the Edmonton area that deal specifically in used building materials.

If you have any other questions, or would like further information, contact Solid Waste Services at 780-968-8448.