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Discards are toxic

One North Battleford family, victims of the July 22 flash flood, are raising concerns about looting of the dumpsters designated for possessions and materials discarded in the cleanup operations.

One North Battleford family, victims of the July 22 flash flood, are raising concerns about looting of the dumpsters designated for possessions and materials discarded in the cleanup operations.

Willow Ranger says it was difficult to explain to her seven-year-old daughter that a treasured toy, a five-foot high dollhouse, would have to be relegated to the discard pile. The structure had been contaminated with backed up sewage and was deemed no longer safe for a child to play with.

Ranger was dismayed, however, to discover overnight Thursday, someone had removed the toy from where it had been discarded in the dumpster. She is horrified to think some other child may now being exposed to toxins.

Ranger's message is a clear and sensible one. The items being put into the dumpsters are being tossed out for a reason. They can no longer be safely used.