The County, in partnership with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (Alberta Recycling), will be hosting its Annual Household Hazardous Waste Roundup at the Webster Community Church on Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can bring household hazardous waste, used oil, unwanted computer equipment, TVs, and paint to the Webster Community Church to be correctly and safely disposed of, free-of-charge. New this year, tires can now be recycled at the event. The County’s Recycling bins will also be on-site for regular recycling needs like tin, paper, cardboard, and more. All bottles collected at the event will go towards the County’s Bottle Donation Program, which supports local non-profit and charitable organizations.

People who stop by with recyclables can enter to win prizes including a barbecue, backyard digester or composting unit, and prize basket. The Webster Community Church is located at 54077 Township Road 744. To get there from Sexsmith, travel 12.9 km north on Highway 2, turn left at Township Road 744 (Webster Road) and travel 3.2 km west to Range Road 55.

“The County recognizes the value in keeping unsafe materials such as paint, electronics and other hazardous materials out of our landfills,” said Jennifer Besinger, County Technical Services Manager. “By partnering to host the Household Hazardous Waste Roundup we are educating the public and promoting good environmental stewardship.”

Disposing of hazardous waste through improper means like pouring paint down a drain or storm sewer or throwing electronics into the garbage can lead to contamination of air, land and water. Once in the ecosystem, hazardous waste is harmful to the environment and can impact human health.

“The County of Grande Prairie is committed to doing all they can to create a better environment for Albertans and this Roundup is an example of their efforts.” notes Caroline McAuley, Chair of Alberta Recycling. “We hope County residents will be out in full force on May 25!”

The leftover latex paint collected through the roundup is recycled into new paint; oil-based paint is used in fuel recovery. The computer equipment and TVs are taken apart and separated into metal, glass and plastic, then shipped to manufacturers for recycling into new products.

If residents can’t make it to the roundup, this service is available year-round at many of the County’s recycling and waste management facilities.

For more information on the County’s various recycling and waste management programs visit www.countygp.ab.ca/recycleprograms. For more information on Alberta’s Electronics, Paint and Tire Recycling Programs visit www.albertarecycling.ca.