Guelph’s Material Recovery Facility structurally safe after fire:

Guelph, Ont., July 13, 2016 – Guelph’s Material Recovery Facility is safe to be occupied, according to a structural engineer who assessed the building following the July 5 fire.

“Solid Waste Resources staff is back inside the Material Recovery Facility, under safe working conditions,” says Cameron Walsh, plant manager with Solid Waste Resources. “The damage from the fire was contained to a few sections of the recycling conveyer and sorting screen used for processing residential material. As a result, we are currently running at a reduced capacity.”

The damaged equipment will be replaced within the next four months. In the meantime, Guelph residents’ recyclables are being processed at Modern’s Buffalo Recycling Enterprise facility.

“Our residents can rest assured their blue cart waste is being processed and recycled correctly while we restore our facility,” adds Walsh.

The City is working with an insurance company and restoration specialist to assess the cost of the fire damage. Once determined, the financial impacts of the fire will be presented to Council.

The Fire Department’s investigation was unable to determine the cause of the fire.

Public access to yard waste disposal, the household hazardous waste depot, the public drop-off and transfer station is open. Curbside waste collection continues without disruption.

Residents are reminded to dispose of household hazardous waste properly. Items such as Compact Flourescent Lights (CFLs), fluorescent tubes, batteries, cleaners, paints and solvents, motor oil, chemicals and grease should be disposed of at Gate 3 at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre located at 110 Dunlop Drive. Residents can drop off household hazardous materials, at no charge, Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.