Image Credit: J. Sessler

By Dylana Kneeshaw

Landfill waits

Springtime rush means patience is needed at landfills, yard waste sites

Apr 23, 2020 | 7:50 AM

KAMLOOPS — Amid the usual spring spike in landfill and yard waste site visits, the City of Kamloops is reminding residents to show staff some courtesy and patience.

Streets and Environmental Services Manager Glen Farrow says each spring there is an increase in traffic at landfills and yard waste sites. And this year is not expected to be different.

“A lot of times it might be a group of residents that aren’t that familiar with the practices, what needs to be diverted, and how these sites function,” says Farrow. “Definitely a reminder to anyone going out to our sites to be respectful, and be patient in any waits that may be required.”

Given the pandemic situation, Farrow says alternative practices have been in place to make sure physical distancing can be adhered to at every site.

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“So with that, the delays are longer, and we have seen some frustrations from some of our customers in having those waits.” He explains, “I’m not saying everyone that’s coming to our sites is getting upset, but we’ve definitely had more customer encounters than normal. So we’re just keeping an eye on that.”

Farrow says other districts and municipalities have seen similar social challenges that have come with the increased traffic and frustrations.

He adds that while there have been more landscaping related trips, the tonnage going over the scales is not substantially high.

“So it’s a lot of smaller trips,” Farrow says. “Make your trips worthwhile when you do come out. Make sure it’s a pretty good load rather than making three trips over the week.”

City landfill and transfer stations sites are still operational with usual business hours, with the exception of the Barnhartvale landfill – which is closed to everything except yard waste and diversion.