The City of Brandon has inaugurated a new diversion depot to reduce the amount of household waste going to the landfill. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the Eastview Landfill, where the new depot is now operational. This facility serves as a central drop-off point for various materials, such as mixed recycling, electronics, tires, scrap metal, and organic waste like food scraps.
By introducing this depot, the city aims to enhance recycling initiatives, streamline services, and manage the increasing volume of recyclable materials generated in Brandon. Mayor Jeff Fawcett emphasized the importance of the depot in enabling residents to recycle a broader range of items, including bulky items like mattresses, which significantly contribute to landfill waste.
Visitors to the landfill will now pass through the diversion depot first, where staff will assist in identifying recyclable items and guiding proper disposal. Accepted materials at the facility include mixed recycling, organics, scrap metal, clean wood, tires, electronic waste, propane tanks, used oil, batteries, clean fill, concrete, mattresses, and more.
The service at the depot is free of charge, but residential disposal fees remain applicable for general waste and materials that cannot be diverted. The disposal fee for general waste up to 200 kilograms is $8, with a $31 fee for appliances containing freon. The provincial government contributed $400,000 towards this initiative.
Brandon East MLA and Minister of Municipal Affairs Glen Simard expressed the province’s support for the city’s waste diversion efforts. A grand opening event is scheduled for Saturday, offering residents an opportunity to tour the facility and learn about reducing landfill waste.
