New Bulk Item Waste Depot Coming to Woodstock

Tuesday, 11 August 2015 13:53

Construction is set to begin in 2016 with the building being operational by 2017

WOODSTOCK - Getting rid of large unwanted items taking up space in your home will become much easier for those living in Oxford County. After a successful Bulk Item Depot Day in Woodstock many who were wishing for a permanent facility have been heard by city council. Mayor of Woodstock, Trevor Birtch, explains what new addition to the city will be, and that construction is slated to begin early next year. "Council approved to build a new bulk item and household hazardous waste depot at our James Street location. What staff are looking for now is for council to give approval to bump up the start of that project so they can start doing the preliminary work." Financial assistance from the government was a big factor in pushing this project along as Ontario attempts to reach a goal of 60% diversion.

With approval already granted it is only a matter of time before the new depot will be built and Mayor Birtch knows this project wouldn't be able to happen if it were not for financial help from the government and what it means for Woodstock. "It shows that they have confidence in the projections and targets, so that we can protect our environment and be more sustainable in how we handle the waste that we generate. There is a definite need that we have a safe way to dispose of these items and that we allow it to be as convenient as possible."

Mayor Birtch outlines when construction will begin and what it allows for local residents. ''If this is approved we would be able to start construction for 2016 and it should be open for business by 2017. What this will allow is people to do it anytime, any day of the week there will be a permanent location where they can come and bring any of those bulk items and hazardous household materials." The City will be spending just over $565,000 to finalize the project that will cost $100,000 just in planning. After overwhelming success from the bulk item depot day many felt there is a need for the facility and will serve as a great addition to the public works department.