SUDBURY -- Following an increased number of visits to the landfill, the city has officially closed all of the sites effective immediately.
Chantal Mathieu, the Environmental Services Director, says the landfill had approximately 3,800 visits this past week, something that isn't surprising but needs to be addressed.
"I can understand why, they're at home and they're cleaning up and it's a normal thing to do in the spring," said Mathieu.
"But it's just something that needs to stop for the moment considering the situation that we're in."
After consulting with Public Health Sudbury and Districts, the city decided to close all landfill sites to help practice physical distancing, in an effort to keep all residents and staff members safe.
"We're hoping that with these initiatives we can flatten the curve and get back to normal as soon as possible," said Mathieu.
Do to the landfill closures, the city has increased the amount of residential garbage bags to four bags effective immediately.
Blue box recycling, Green Cart organic and leaf and yard trimmings remains unlimited.
Additionally, household hazardous waste depot drop off days, which were scheduled to begin in April, have been suspended for the time being.
Residents can still use Toxic Taxi to get rid of these items, but officials are advising that wait times are longer than usual.
"Please don't approach our collectors," said Mathieu.
"We're just really asking people to be patient during this time."
Mathieu says on-top of closing the landfill, other precautions are being made to help ensure staff safety.
"If you're dealing with a lot of dirty tissues and paper towels, please just bag that for the time being as an extra precautionary measure for our workers."
There is also a Waste Wise app that residents can download to get pick-up day reminders, schedule pick-ups for large furniture, appliance or electronics and get more information.
Residents who don't have roadside pickup service are not affected by these closures and can still use the landfills for disposal.
