Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox is calling on residents to use municipal composting and tree disposal facilities more responsibly as seasonal yard cleanup ramps up. The reminder follows repeated instances of non-organic waste and furniture being illegally dumped at designated sites. She notes this led to added strain on city resources.
Compost site challenges
Knox notes the city’s yard waste collection program is now active, allowing residents to leave organic materials curbside for pickup. She emphasizes two key city-operated sites: a compost facility at 4th Avenue Northwest and 15th Street Northwest, and a tree disposal location near the waste pollution control centre.
“It’s a great service for people and helps with gardening,” she says. “But what we really find this time of year is that people are dumping things that aren’t yard clippings and leaving garbage bags, making the site quite a mess at times.”
Residents have reported frustration over misuse of the compost site, prompting city staff to divert time from other projects to address contamination. Knox adds the tree disposal site—open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.—has similarly seen non-compliant items like furniture left behind.
Streamlining services
The mayor stresses the city provides multiple waste management options, including curbside pickup, seasonal bulk waste programs, and access to a regional landfill. New trash bins will also debut this summer as part of ongoing service upgrades.
“We just ask people to be respectful as to what the site is for and to use it properly,” Knox continues. “Citizens reaching out about these issues should be a message loud and clear.”
Knox reiterates improper dumping creates unnecessary costs and labor for municipal teams. Residents are urged to review guidelines for each facility online or contact city offices for clarification.