With the recycling centres in the Cowichan Valley Regional District having been extremely busy last weekend (March 20-22), the district is asking people to consider holding off on their visits to the centres until after the COVID-19 crisis improves.
The centres will also remain on winter hours until further notice.
Both Meade Creek and Peerless Recycling Centres will continue to operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Bings Creek Recycling Centre will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Our recycling centres are currently experiencing traffic volumes up to three times greater than usual,” said Aaron Stone, chairman of the CVRD.
“We’re asking residents to consider holding off on visiting our centres until the public health emergency improves, as our
necessary access restrictions are causing long wait times. We ask the public to please pile your yard waste or items from your spring cleaning at home to bring to the centres at a later date.”
The centres are experiencing significant increases in customer volumes particularly on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
A press release said that in order for staff and customers to follow best practices for social distancing and reduce interactions, a number of new measures are now in effect.
“Ten vehicles at a time will have access to each depot, beginning March 24. No cash, only credit and debit payments, will be accepted, and the Free Stores are closed,” the release said
The release said curbside collection schedules remain the same.
“Please store recyclables at home and use curbside pick-up as the service is provided for most homes within the region,” it said.