Newly improved self-sorting centres making it easier for Calgarians to recycle, reuse and dispose of materials
![Newly improved self-sorting centres Calgarians can now take a variety of waste that won't fit into their regular residential waste pickup schedule at the city's improved Eco Centres. (File)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/7/17/newly-improved-self-sorting-centres-1-6967229-1721233444469.jpg)
The City of Calgary is announcing improvements at city Eco Centres, in an effort to make it easier to recycle and dispose of materials.
These self-sorting areas provide Calgarians with a convenient year-round drop-off location for a wide variety of materials that don't belong in household bins.
Previously known as "Throw 'n' Go" areas, the city says many Calgarians were unaware of the recycling and reuse opportunities.
The city has added easy-to-read signage, revised facility layouts and updated drop-off areas for items.
"The Eco Centre emphasizes recycling and reuse by expanding the types of materials that can be dropped off. Additionally, the paved drop-off area, new facility layout and updated signs makes unloading waste material and items easier and more convenient than ever,” said Elias Tomaras, project manager, special projects with the City of Calgary.
The range of materials that can be brought to Eco Centres include:
- Reusable and recyclable materials that often end up in the garbage but could find a second life in a different way (e.g. oversized cardboard, large metal appliances, electronics, drywall, etc.);
- Materials that require safe disposal or special handling (e.g. chemicals, paint, auto batteries); and
- Garbage that is oversized or unacceptable in the residential program (e.g. construction and renovation materials);
The city says it tested the upgrades at the Spyhill Eco Centre before implementing them at the Shepard and East Calgary locations.
The city found 29 per cent more oversized cardboard was recycled, 163 per cent more reuse items and 30 per cent more electronics were diverted from the landfill and 25 per cent more metal ended up in designated bins.
While some materials incur a fee, many can be dropped off at no charge.
For more information on fees and what Eco Centres accept, you can visit the city's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7017212.1724858487!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canada watching mosquito-borne illness after parks shut down in U.S.
Health officials in Canada are closely monitoring the public health situation in Massachusetts, following a report of one person having contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEEV) from a mosquito bite.
BREAKING Canada-wide warrant issued for suspect in murder of Toronto-area real estate agent
York Regional Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a suspect in connection with the murder of Markham real estate agent Yuk-Ting Anita Mui.
Saskatchewan man arrested for a string of hay bale arson attacks was a firefighter
The fire department in Macklin, Saskatchewan has confirmed a 25-year-old man arrested in connection with a series of rural hay bale arson attacks was one of its firefighters.
Jamaican police suspect a shark killed a teenager found dead by fishermen
A shark attacked and killed a 16-year-old Jamaican high school student whose body was found in waters just north of the island, authorities said.
Tylenol maker defeats U.S. lawsuit over labelling
The maker of Tylenol defeated a lawsuit by U.S. consumers who said they were deceived into overpaying for 'Rapid Release' gelcaps that did not relieve pain faster than cheaper tablets, including those labelled Extra Strength and Regular Strength.
'They were not garbage': Court hears from victims' families in sentencing of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki
Convicted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki sat emotionless in a Winnipeg courtroom as the friends and families of his victims spoke of the living nightmare they have endured since the horrific murders of four women two years ago.
4-year-old accidentally shatters Bronze Age jar at museum
A four-year-old boy accidentally smashed a Bronze Age jar at an archeological museum in Haifa, Israel.
Forgotten Salvador Dali treasures to go on auction block after 50 years
For 50 years, 10 signed lithographs by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí were gathering dust at a basement in London. The rare artwork could soon find another home with an auction set for Sept. 30 at Hansons Richmond.
What is a 'femicide' and why do some advocates and police want it in the Criminal Code?
In a rare move, the Ottawa Police Service is using the term 'femicide' to describe the motivation investigators believe to be behind the killing of a 47-year-old mother.