Lloydminster utility customers will see a new $3.82 monthly credit on their bills starting in October, after council approved a recycling fee rebate tied to a provincial cost shift.
Council voted Monday to authorize the rebate for utility accounts affected by the province’s Extended Producer Responsibility program, which takes effect Oct. 1 and shifts recycling costs from municipalities to the companies that produce packaging and paper.
Karen Dela Rosa, with the city’s Operations department, told council the rebate will apply to 8,521 accounts currently receiving curbside recycling collection.
“During previous council meetings, administration advised that residents would no longer be responsible for the cost of those services under the EPR program,” said Dela Rosa.
The city has already signed an amending agreement with its waste contractor, GFL, reflecting the reduced service cost, Dela Rosa said. GFL will continue collecting waste and organics, while a separate company, Integrity Waste Solutions, takes over recycling pickup starting Oct. 1.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers asked whether residents could expect three different trucks running routes through the city as a result.
“That is correct, Your Worship,” said Dela Rosa. “GFL will continue to pick up waste and organics, and Integrity Waste Solutions will be picking up recycling.”
Dela Rosa said the change should not affect collection schedules or how much recycling residents can put out, and that a longer list of materials will now be accepted for recycling under the program.
Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson asked whether the city’s communications campaign would specifically try to bring back residents who had stopped recycling out of frustration with confusing sorting rules.
Dela Rosa said the current campaign is focused on informing residents about the October transition, but said further conversations are planned on encouraging broader participation.
A public education campaign began in late June and will continue through the fall, including a media release, mailed postcards, utility bill inserts and a customer support hotline through Integrity.
Council passed the rebate motion, moved by Coun. Justin Vance, without discussion of opposition. The city’s 2027 Fees and Charges Bylaw will be updated to formally reflect the reduced curbside collection rate.
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