Household hazardous waste removal is one way that every resident in Weyburn can stay green, and the engineering department will be running their spring program this Saturday, May 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Weyburn Fire Hall."People can bring anything that is hazardous waste to this management program," explained Jesse Watamanuk, engineering assistant. He added that dangerous items (such as ammunition or radioactive waste) are not accepted at the site.The main benefit of this program is that it keeps hazardous waste products out of the landfill. "Recycling is our way of preserving the landfill (and the environment) for future generations," said Watamanuk. "It will make the environment a healthier place to live. Residents can feel good that these hazardous waste items will be recycled, or disposed of properly."The collection program focuses on safety, quality and strict regulatory compliance by Envirotec Services staff, and items will either be treated, recycled or disposed of in an environmentally-sound way.During the same hours of the household hazardous waste program, the SARCAN Wor-Kin Shop location will be open for paint recycling and Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program (SWEEP).The electronic program was recently expanded, which will allow residents to recycle even more electronics including audio equipment, video equipment, cameras, telephones, computer periphery and televisions.Last year, there were 80 to 90 cars at the spring program and 60 to 70 cars at the fall program of the household hazardous waste. Previously, under a three-year pilot program offered by the Go Green provincial program, one of these programs had been funded by the province and the other program had been funded by the city.Recently, due to a change in the funding from the government, the city will have to look at funding both programs. Watamanuk said, "It is a good program; we have seen positive feedback and a good turnout, so we do want to keep both service days up and running."A three-month pilot program will be introduced into Weyburn by SaskPower, where residents can recycle old refrigerators between June 1 and August 31. To participate in the program, residents must call the Envirotec toll-free customer service call centre between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.After answering a series of questions, a pick up of the refrigerator will be scheduled at a time when the resident is most likely to be at home.The refrigerator must be in working order to apply for the program, and 24 hours before the scheduled pickup time it should be plugged in. Mini bar fridges and fridges larger than 25 cubic feet do not qualify.An incentive cheque of $50 will be received once the resident has signed a waiver on the day of the pickup. For more information, visit the SaskPower Eneraction programs and offers section on their website. The success of the program will be measured by SaskPower Eneraction once it's complete to determine future program opportunities, efficiencies and incentives.
