The TNRD has announced that they are eliminating free disposal days, which have been held throughout the region for nearly ten years. Free disposal days allowed for one truck load of refuse per household to be dropped off at a waste transfer station or Eco-Depot at no charge.
The decision to discontinue free disposal days follows a recommendation made by the Regional Solid Waste Management Committee to the TNRD Board of Directors at the Nov. 19 inaugural meeting.
Several reasons were cited for the change, including:
- an increased cost to taxpayers of 300% since the program launched in 2011
- safety concerns for both staff and the public sue to high traffic at waste sites and screening loads with unsafe materials such as asbestos during events
- environmental concerns with dangerous or prohibited waste being left at the site due to the high volume of users
- offering free disposal discourages the separation of recyclable material, which contradicts the TNRD’s 10-year Regional Solid Waste Plan
- the list of materials which can now be recycled at no cost continues to expand
The TNRD operates two landfills and 27 Eco-Depots and transfer stations throughout the region, which will continue to offer free disposal and collection bags year-round for community clean up events.
The TNRD will also continue to maintain funding for the cleanup of illegal dump sites which have become increasingly problematic in the region.
In addition, new items are now accepted at no cost at the TNRD’s primary solid waste facilities, including mattresses, box springs and tires on rims.
Free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup events will continue to be held annually within the TNRD.
For more information and a complete list of residential materials accepted at no cost at the TNRD’s solid waste facilities, please visit: https://www.tnrd.ca/accepted-materials/
