Hazardous Waste Day Gathers More This Year

Although the number of cars coming to the event was down from last year the amount of hazardous waste collected at this year’s Household Hazardous Waste Day exceeded what was collected in 2019.

Held on August 29th the annual event allowed City households to bring their hazardous waste to be properly disposed of and diverting it out of the sanitary landfill where there is the potential it could enter and harm the environment.

For example trash containing mercury can have devestating effects on waterways and public health if it gets into the environment - it is found in flourescent light fixtures.

This year’s event saw 447 vehicles drive thru and 5,689 kilograms of hazardous material was collected compared to 5,232 kilograms collected from 502 vehicles in 2019.

Among the materials collected was a mix of compressed gases, flammable liquids, corrosives, and other toxic/environmentally hazardous products as well as the empty containers which contained the hazardous waste.

The hazardous waste was inspected and sorted by City employees - MJ Independent photo

GFL Environment staff were also on site - MJ Independent photo

Among the material was a mix of compressed gases, flammable liquids, corrosives, and other toxic/environmentally hazardous products.

This year’s collection took on an added safety aspect as the COVID - 19 pandemic saw physical distancing, mask wearing and proper hygiene part of the drive thru event. City staff and representatives from GFL Environmental safely removed the material from resident’s vehicles and residents remained inside their vehicles at all times.

All materials collected will be properly disposed of with such things as batteries and flourescent lights headed for recycling while other harmful items were sent to facilities for incineration in a controlled environment at elevated temperatures.

The City of Moose Jaw used oil, oil filter and anti-freeze disposal depot at the landfill - MJ Independent file photo

The City of Moose Jaw would like to remind residents that products such as used oil, oil filters, antifreeze and their containers can be disposed of at the City of Moose Jaw Landfill during regular operating hours at a special depot, and used electronics and paint can be disposed of at your local SARCAN depot.

A listing of what was collected - source City of Moose Jaw