Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River residents are excited to be back out in their yards, cleaning up the aftermath of a long winter, and the town council is making it easier for them to dispose of their yard waste.
Back by popular demand are the yard waste bins at Centennial Parking Lot, located at 9802 101 Street.
“The yard waste bins help to tidy yards, help with some fire guarding and generally adds to the attractiveness of residential areas,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer of why the Town provides the service.
“It costs the Town about $40,000 and is for residential use only,” she adds.
Manzer says Town decided to only have bins at one location this year, as the second location was not utilized as frequently. Two bins will be on location until Oct. 31 to make yard cleanup easier for residents. The bins will be there throughout the six months.
“Council chose to provide this as a service to town of Peace River residents for easy accessibility with the thought that more yard waste would be removed from residential yards,” Manzer explains.
“It does not directly cost to use the bins as general tax revenues are paying for the costs.”
Manzer says the bins are meant only for yard waste, meaning tree and shrub trimmings, plant remains, grass clippings, leaves, trees, and stumps. No plastic is allowed in the bin, however; compostable and paper bags are acceptable.
“(This initiative) helps those who wish to use the bins for their home lawn or garden items, and it does not cost as the bin as general Town revenues pay for the service,” Manzer explains.
“Please do not add plastic or metal to the bins, as these non-yard waste items can cause the entire bin to be contaminated.”
Other initiatives taking place in town this month include the Put ‘n’ Take Weekend from May 24-26. Residents are asked to place unwanted but usable items at their curb and mark them with the word “free”. Others in the community are welcome to drive around and pick up anything they like. This initiative is meant to simplify passing on unwanted treasures to others and to reduce waste.
Spring Clean-Up will also be in full swing in the town from May 27-29. The garbage contractor collects eligible items and hauls the items to the landfill. All items have to be out by 7 a.m. on May 27, with crews making multiple passes through neighbourhoods, collecting different waste types at different times.
Hazardous materials, electronics, fridges, freezers, construction debris, and other restricted items will not be picked up.
For more information on the three programs, please visit www.peaceriver.ca