There were big line ups to dump off hazardous materials at the 91原创 Township's 24th annual hazardous waste collection event at George Preston Recreation Centre on Oct. 19 and 20, despite the atmospheric river that drenched the Fraser Valley.
Although up to 100mm of heavy rain was dumped across the Township during the two days, 1,044 vehicles attended the two-day event, the Township wrote in an email to The Star.
"Overall the event was another huge success, even with the major rainfall event that occurred that weekend," the unsigned email notes.
The rain didn't detour Township residents from coming out though, as there was about a 15 per cent increase compared to 2023, which saw 908 vehicles drive through.
"Our organizing team braved the wind and rain to set it up and operate it over the two days, and many residents attended to drop off household hazardous waste," reads the Township's email.
There was about an equal number of vehicles on each day, with 531 on the Saturday 鈥� the worst day of rain 鈥� and 513 on Sunday.
The amount of waste dropped off will take a couple weeks to get, as a contractor disposes of it, the Township notes.
Donations were also collected for the Aldergrove Food Bank.
In addition to hazardous waste 鈥� anything with a warning symbol on the label such as flammable, corrosive, explosive, or poisonous 鈥� Township staff were also collecting appliances like microwaves and freezers, batteries, cleaning agents, electronics including cell phones and computers, lightbulbs, and paint.
The event returns each year in the fall and is only open to residents in the Township of 91原创.
On its website, the Township cautions residents to avoid pouring hazardous waste down the drain or on the ground or discarding it in the garbage.
"Municipal sewage systems and private septic systems cannot filter or remove these products from our wastewater, which would allow hazardous substances to enter waterways," it notes.
People with hazardous waste can dispose of it year-round and for free at a Interchange Recycling location, which can be searched for on the Recycling Council of B.C. website based on what needs to be recycled.
