The Cranbrook Walmart parking lot has been home to one of the most popular community recycling areas; however, the bins have been removed and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is on the hunt for a new location.

“We are grateful to the property owner for allowing us to have the recycling bins on their property for the past few years. The bins were removed at the property owner’s request and we are looking to identify a new site as quickly as possible,” says RDEK Environmental Services Manager Kevin Paterson. “Once we have a new location identified, it will be well advertised. In the meantime, there are several other community depot locations that the public can use.”

Community recycling areas include regular yellow bins and special glass bins and are located at the College of the Rockies, Christ the Servant Church, Cranbrook Bottle Depot and Cranbrook Transfer Station. The Transfer Station is open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. seven days a week and the other locations are accessible 24 hours per day.

“Many people don’t realize that they can also use any of the yellow bins they see around town. The only difference with the community recycling areas is that we have glass bins there,” explains Paterson. “If people are unsure about where the nearest bin is located, we encourage them to give our office a call and we will help identify some nearby options.”

Each year, the RDEK collects the equivalent of over 3,000 dump truck loads of recyclables through the yellow bins alone. Paper, cardboard, tin and aluminum cans, grocery bags and all household plastics #1-#6 (except Styrofoam) are accepted in the yellow bins.

“The yellow bin system provides an easy and convenient recycling option for residents and businesses alike and we recognize the need to have community recycling areas for both mixed recyclables and glass. We will do our best to find a new location and get it up and running as quickly as possible,” adds Paterson.

Loree Duczek/RDEK

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