Some help with spring cleaning

Local residents will again have an opportunity to dispose of certain accumulated winter garbage free of charge.

“It has been customary for the City of Yorkton, with the recommendation from the Environmental Committee, to hold an annual Spring Yard Waste Clean-Up Week. In order to encourage City residents and School Divisions to clean up their yards and their school grounds, Council has in previous years waived the landfill entrance fees during this week for disposal of winter debris. Winter debris is identified as grass, leaves, broken tree branches, grass mixed with garbage and debris that has collected and accumulated on properties during the winter months,” explained JeanAnne Teliske, Landfill Manager at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.

The program does have limitations though.

“This program will not cover tree pruning, disposal of entire cut trees, construction, demolition or household materials such as furniture, lumber, carpet, beds or mattresses. These materials are accepted at the landfill but residents will be required to pay the appropriate entrance fees,” said Teliske.

The waiver of landfill fees for winter debris is available to Yorkton residents and schools that haul in their winter debris material by way of car, van, half ton Truck, SUV, or utility trailer.

In 2018, 145 residents participated in the program compared to 91 in 2017 and 61 in 2016.

Spring Yard Waste Clean-Up Week Eligibility Criteria is as follows:

• Drivers must present to the landfill scale attendant, a valid driver’s licence with a Yorkton civic address (no post office box numbers will be allowed under the program).

• School division loads with identifiable vehicles and staff hauling any acceptable material.

• Cars, vans, half ton trucks, sport utility vehicles, and utility trailers are eligible.

• Material being disposed of must meet the “winter debris” criteria.

“The landfill scale attendant will evaluate the load, the type of vehicle and determine if the load is acceptable under the Spring Yard Waste Clean-Up Week criteria and if so, waive the landfill entrance fees,” said Teliske. “Any loads not qualifying under the program, will be accepted with the appropriate charges applied.”

The program will run from May 13 to 18, 2019 during regular landfill hours Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

This year will see something new implemented as well.

“This year during Spring Yard Waste Clean-Up Week, Environmental Services will also be partnering with Community Development, Parks & Recreation to deliver a City Wide Spring Clean-Up event which will focus on cleaning up parks and ditches throughout the City,” said Teliske.

“We will be encouraging residents and businesses to register for this event and participate to help do their part in beautifying and building pride in our community.”

Registration can be done by calling the Environmental Services Department at 306-828-2470 or by registering online at www.eventbrite.ca

Council was unanimous is supporting the program.