When Raven Recycling announced May 4 it had reopened its drop-off site to cardboard only, reaction from the public was quick. “There were people here within minutes,” executive director Joy Snyder said in a May 7 interview, adding she’s pleased to see many have held onto their recycling following the temporary closure of both P&M Recycling and Raven Recycling in March due to COVID-19.
Using fencing, the cardboard drop-off site has been set up so that only one vehicle fits into the space, thus providing for physical distancing between those dropping off their cardboard. While many are dropping off cardboard that’s been collecting since recycling centres closed, there’s been no issues with anyone dropping off other materials, Snyder said. The acceptance of cardboard marks the first part of a phased reopening with paper up next. That’s anticipated to be added to the drop-off option in the coming days.
As Raven gets set to reopen, Mayor Dan Curtis said the city doesn’t have plans to reinstate fees for mixed waste loads that include cardboard. The city has been permitting waste loads with cardboard and other recyclables due to the closure of recycling centres during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before anything is done to reinstate the fees, Curtis said it’s important that recycling is stable in the city, though he encourages residents to take their cardboard to Raven rather than putting it with general household waste.
Further phases to reopen Raven will follow with the recycling center anticipating accepting donated beverage containers and “tag and bag” items of recyclables outside the depot sometime next week. Both P&M and Raven have set a date of May 19 to reopen their bottle depots with distancing measures set to be in place.
To read the full story, visit https://www.yukon-news.com/news/recyclers-ready-for-reopening/.
Author: Stephanie Waddell, Yukon News
Photo: Crystal Schick, Yukon News