The past couple of years has marked an influx of city folks moving from urban areas to acreages and rural communities across the greater Edmonton and Regina areas. What’s not to love about waking up to the sweet sounds of nature every morning?
While some aspects of country living are easy transitions to make, some differences may come as a surprise to new rural residents. Wait, what do you mean I have to arrange my own rural garbage service?!
If you have questions about household waste disposal methods in rural areas, we’ve got you covered. Read on to explore the ins and outs of rural waste and recycling management strategies.
Rural Waste Disposal Options
Maintaining your countryside oasis comes with added responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is rural waste management. The good news is that you have options depending on the size and household level of waste.
Transfer station/public landfill
Rural residents may choose to handle their solid waste management by hauling their garbage and recycling to a solid waste transfer station or public landfill. A solid waste transfer station is a facility that transfers waste to another waste management facility for disposal or recycling. Transfer stations typically provide a more convenient drop-off location for residents compared to public landfill sites. Depending on the location, some landfills and transfer stations charge usage fees.
While this is a relatively convenient option, there is still the hassle of hauling your own garbage every week or two. Not a big deal if you own a truck or can tow a small trailer, but if the kids start to complain about the smell in the back of the Subaru, you may want to consider other options instead.
Private landfills
Depending on the bylaws in your jurisdiction, you may be permitted to bury garbage on your property in your own private landfill area. While this may be more convenient (no stinky Subaru to worry about), you’ll want to consider the long-term impact. When you go to sell your property, you may need to disclose that it contains a landfill. Some folks may not want your old trash in their new yard.
You will also need to separate anything in your trash that contains contaminants. Items such as batteries, tires, petroleum-containing products like paints and oils, pharmaceutical supplies, asbestos, appliances, pesticides, and any other hazardous waste need to be disposed of in designated bins at an eco station or transfer station.
Composting
Composting is an excellent way to manage organic waste. Not only does it reduce the overall volume of residential waste, but it also provides natural, non-chemical fertilization for your garden. The organic matter and nutrients that are returned to the soil improve lawn and plant growth and lead to better garden yields.
An added perk of rural living is that you have plenty of space for a robust compost heap far enough away that you don’t have to worry about backyard aromas on a hot summer day.
Burning
Burning waste on rural properties is also dependent on local bylaws and ideally should not be your first option for waste disposal. Make sure you burn garbage in large, mesh-covered metal barrels and never leave the fire unattended.
If you must let it burn, be conscious of contaminant-filled smoke and ash. Dispose of ash at the local landfill. Spreading ash on the ground can result in contaminants leaching into the soil and nearby waterways.
Rural garbage collection service
Those who prefer the quiet sanctuary of rural life but also want the convenience of a regular waste collection really can have it all. In some rural regions, residents must subscribe to rural waste collection depending on the size or location of their property.
For example, rural properties in Strathcona County that are two acres or less are required to subscribe to waste collection services. Properties larger than two acres can either subscribe or look after waste disposal themselves.
Flexible, Affordable Rural Waste Pickup
For many rural homeowners regular waste collection is a convenient, affordable option that makes it easy to manage residential waste. Local Environmental Solutions offers full service, flexible rural waste management options including recycling in certain areas. Residents can choose from weekly, biweekly, and monthly rural collection schedules.
In addition to rural garbage collection services, Local Environmental Solutions provides dumpster rentals which are perfect for construction projects or seasonal yard cleanup. Our roll-off bin rentals are available in 10, 12, and 20 cubic yard sizes. If flexibility and convenience are high on your priority list, let Local Environmental Services take care of all your rural garbage, recycling and volume pickups.
Serving Greater Edmonton and Regina Areas
Local Environmental Services is proud to serve many of the rural communities in and around the cities of Edmonton and Regina. Don’t see your neighbourhood listed below? Contact us to see if we provide rural waste collection services in your community.
