Background

Brandon, MB, Canada (pop. 46,061), an agricultural and industrial hub in the southwestern part of the province, is known across Canada for its high quality of life, despite bone-chilling winters averaging nearly 40 inches of snow. The second-largest city in Manitoba (trailing only Winnipeg), Brandon grew by 11% between the 2006 and 2011 Canadian censuses. All across town, residents toss recyclables in blue-lidded single-sort bins for weekly curbside collection. For a town of its size, Brandon’s recycling infrastructure is rather impressive — perhaps a nod to strategic planning as the city continues its population climb.

Materials recycled

Paper Newspapers and inserts, office paper, phonebooks, magazines, catalogs, paperboard, milk/juice cartons (rinsed) and corrugated cardboard (cut to fit the cart; pizza boxes are OK with soiled portions removed) are accepted. Plastics Plastic containers numbered 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 (rinsed) are accepted. No motor oil or chemical containers, no Styrofoam and no plastic bags or film. Metal Aluminum cans (rinsed) and steel/tin cans (rinsed) are accepted. Glass Glass bottles (rinsed) are accepted.

Frequency

Brandon residents recycle at the curb on a weekly basis, same day as refuse collection. Carts must be curbside by 6 a.m. on collection day and should be placed with 2 feet clearance on each side. A collection map is available online.

Other programs

The above-listed recyclables may also be taken to any of Brandon’s drop-off recycling depots:

• Landmark Capitol Theatre (1570 18th St., north side of parking lot)
• 34th Street and Victoria Avenue (northeast corner)
• Kirkcaldy Boat Launch (south of Kirkcaldy Drive and Paterson Crescent)
• Eastview Landfill (3300 Victoria Ave. E.)

Brandon residents can purchase tickets ($5.65C) for bulky item pickup at their homes. Appliances, furniture, large branches and much more can be picked up with a ticket bought at City Hall (410 9th St.) or the Civic Services Building (900 Richmond Ave. E.) Brandon’s Green Cart program is a voluntary curbside service that collects organics from April through October. Yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves and shrubs can be placed in the carts alongside food scraps, teabags, eggshells, coffee grounds and other compostable items. The Eastview Landfill’s Eco Centre includes a household hazardous waste drop-off facility. Accepted items include florescent light bulbs, mercury-containing items, ammonia, oven cleaner, household cleaners, brass/silver polish, pesticides, fertilizers, turpentine, lacquer, kerosene, disinfectants, solvents, lighter fluid, epoxies, automotive fluids, bleach, expired medications, abrasive powders, detergents and car batteries. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 pm. Monday through Saturday.

More information

Visit the City of Brandon Sanitation Department website for more recycling program info.