SARCAN gearing up for a busy June as people can once again return their empties

SARCAN is preparing for a crush of customers eager to cash in their stockpile of empty recyclables.

Director of Collections Sean Collins said SARCAN is focused on gearing back up after receiving the green light to reopen by the provincial government on Thursday.

“A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes,” he said. “Obviously we want to make sure that when we reopen, we are able to do that effectively, efficiently, and most importantly safely for all of our employees and our customers.”

Commercial customers will have access to the recycling service starting June 8, followed by the general public on June 15.

Like other businesses reopening in Phase 3, Collins said SARCAN will be implementing additional safety measures at its 63 locations across the province.

“(We’ll have) enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures in place — something we’ve always felt was very important and obviously we are going to pay even closer attention,” Collins said.

“Even in addition to the physical distancing, the use of barriers will be an extra layer of protection.”

The cash limit of $75 per visit will remain in effect, but the recycling service won’t be restricting what people can bring in.

“If you can haul it into us, we will make it work,” said Collins. “We’re going to be flexible. We will have solutions for people who have accumulated stockpiles.”

To reduce lineups at depots, the recycling service will be encouraging the public to utilize its “drop and go” service.

Collins said SARCAN also is also working on having Etransfer payments set up for people who utilize the service.