Hamilton closes recycling, waste drop-off stations over labour dispute

Hamilton has temporarily closed its three waste transfer stations over a labour dispute with its contractor.

In a press release issued Saturday morning, the city said it had closed the three Community Recycling Centres and Waste Transfer Stations, located on Olympic Drive, Kenora Avenue and Kilbride Road, due to an operational disruption."

According to the city, the contractor is asking for additional funds related to COVID-19," claiming that residents clearing out their yards, homes and garages has led to an increased load of recyclables.

The City is currently working to implement contingency plans and hopes to reopen all three CRCs and Waste Transfer Stations as soon as possible," the city said in the release.

More information will follow as soon as it becomes available."

The shutdown will not affect weekly garbage pickup, a city spokesperson said.

Residents should hold on to their waste and recycling until the disruption ends, the city said.

For those that need to dispose waste immediately, private waste and recycling facilities are available.

Jacob Lorinc's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows him to report on stories about education.