Renovation season is here for Edmontonians beginning work in and around their homes and businesses. But what should citizens do with the chunks of concrete, crumbling bricks and worn paving stones they’ve removed?

“The City of Edmonton recycles concrete, asphalt and other similar materials from reconstruction projects, private demolition and household renovations free of charge,” says Blair Buchholtz, General Supervisor of Edmonton’s aggregate recycling facilities. “These programs provide an economical source of recycled material the City then uses to construct and maintain streets and sidewalks.”

Since its inception, the City’s Aggregate Recycling Programs have processed more than 4 million tonnes of material. In addition to keeping waste out of landfills, the program has reduced the demand for natural aggregate resources in the Edmonton area and has led to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions (by reducing the need to transport aggregate materials from outside of the city). Based on current replacement costs for natural aggregate and landfill cost savings, the annual cost benefit to the City is more than $15 million.

“The City of Edmonton has really set the bar in terms of its waste management and recycling programs,” adds Buchholtz. “Programs like aggregate recycling and sand recycling, overseen by Transportation Services, provide significant return on investment for citizens and have a positive, long-term impact on the environment.”

Edmontonians are welcome to drop off their concrete and asphalt refuse at either the west end site (18043-107 Street) or the southeast site (5221-17 Street).

For more information about hours of operation, materials that are accepted and site safety rules, please visit www.edmonton.ca/aggregaterecycling.