Mattresses, drywall, and shingles will soon be able to be recycled in Wellington County.
The county says it now has the capability at its waste facilities to divert drywall and shingles to specialized recycling facilities, while mattress deconstruction and diversion techniques are being piloted.
Residents will be able to start recycling these items as of May 1. People can bring these materials to Wellington County Waste Facilities, excluding Rothsay, as it is not equipped with a weigh scale.
Asphalt shingles are often repurposed into new paving materials. Drywall is processed for making agricultural soil amendment products or as raw input in new manufacturing streams. Mattresses are able to be broken down into recyclable components such as metal, wood, and foam.
Operational changes, including the introduction of a $10 minimum waste fee, have made the addition of these materials to the County's diversion programmes possible.
"This is an important step toward creating a more sustainable and efficient waste system in Wellington County," said Steve O’Neill, Chair of the Solid Waste Services Committee. "By diverting more materials away from landfill, we’re making better use of our facilities, extending the life of our landfill, preserving valuable space for items that truly have no other disposal option, and ultimately saving money."
For information on accepted materials, fees, and waste facility locations, visit www.wellington.ca/dropoff.