Municipalities make plans for spring clean up initiatives

Fees charged at County of St. Paul transfer stations for the removal of freon from old appliances will be waived during May as part of the annual spring cleanup initiative.

Normally there is a $20 fee for freon removal. Freon is a gas commonly used in refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. It needs to be removed from the appliances before they can be added to the metal pile for further recycling.

According to County of St. Paul Interim CAO Tim Mahdiuk, last year was the first year the fee had been waived for the entire month of May.

“It was a success last year, I didn’t see any fridges or stoves in the ditch, so that’s a good one,” said County of St. Paul Reeve Steve Upham.

A motion by Div. 5 Coun. Dale Hedrick to waive the fee for May carried with unanimous support.

The Town of St. Paul and Town of Elk Point both passed motions on April 12 to partner with the County of St. Paul for the spring clean up initiative.

Clandonald community clean up

Elsewhere in the Lakeland, Clandonald is hosting their community clean up day on April 17 and 18. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Clandonald Hall at 8 a.m.

Lunch will be provided by the Clandonald Seniors.

According to the organizers, they also need volunteers to bring their own equipment including tree pruners, hedge trimmers, axes, chainsaws, rakes, and shovels as well as trucks, dump trucks, and trailers to transport the waste.

Large item pick up postponed in Lac La Biche

In Lac La Biche, the large item pick up program ordinarily held in May is being postponed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Environmental Services Coordinator for Lac La Biche County Randi Dupras, tipping fees for residential waste and recycling will still be waived from May 10 through May 15.

“Lac La Biche County has adjusted our tipping fees to provide incentives for residents to sort their recyclables from their waste. This adjustment will also educate residents on what is recyclable and what is waste, helping to keep our environment clean and enjoyable for generations to come,” said Dupras.

Dupras said the transfer stations within the county can accept paint, tires, oil, agricultural twine, herbicide and pesticide containers, batteries, and more.

“Residents are able to bring in waste and recycling items under 500 kg for free, year-round.”

Environment Week takes place from May 30 to June 5 this year. According to Dupras, Lac La Biche County will be hosting a recycling workshop for residents that week.

A Household Hazardous Waste Roundup and Community Shredding Event is scheduled for Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 10 am to 2 pm.

“Lac La Biche County residents can dispose of hazardous items like paint and aerosols for free and safely shred confidential documents for recycling,” said Dupras.