Ord Road recycling site may be shut down in 2017

KAMLOOPS – Kamloops residents might have one less depot at which to drop their recyclables come the new year.

The Ord Road Recycling Depot will have its fate debated at a council meeting tomorrow, Nov. 22. In a report to council, city administration recommends the closure of the depot due to excessive costs stemming from misuse and vandalism.

The depot is open 24/7 and unsupervised, according to the report. Neighbours complain about refuse blowing on to their property, while the city and contractors regularly clean up, repair and paint over graffiti.

Over all it costs the city more than $80,000 to run the site annually, including nearly $15,000 to keep the depot clean. Administration estimates $40,000 could be saved by shutting it down.

The city’s three other dump sites and three private depots should be able to handle the increase caused by people redirected from the Ord Road site. The report also notes the city’s businesses will continue to have service.

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