The City released a video last week of a man disposing of an old toilet at the residential recycling drop off located along First Avenue Southeast to highlight ongoing problems at the facility.

At their regular meeting earlier this month, council was made aware of the situation by deputy city manager Lisa Gaudet.

“I wanted to briefly highlight, sadly, the ongoing misuse that we’re seeing at the residential recycling depot on First Avenue Southeast. This site is intended for city of Dauphin for approved residential recyclable materials only,” Gaudet said.

“But we continue to see household garbage, furniture, yard waste, and materials left outside the bins.”

Gaudet said the City has been reinforcing proper use of the facility through social media messaging and public education.

“That recycling must be placed inside the bins and absolutely no garbage or black garbage bags are acceptable here,” she said.

“If the misuse continues, we may have to evaluate the depot site and ultimately might have to consider reducing the service.”

The depot is intended for approved residential recycling from city households only

Household garbage, furniture, appliances, mattresses, renovation debris, yard waste and black garbage bags are not allowed.

When using the depot, place materials inside the correct bin and flatten cardboard boxes before placing them in the cardboard bin.

Do not leave anything outside of the bins. Ottenbreit Sanitation Services rotates the bins regularly. If a bin is full, wait until space becomes available or call 204-622-3200.

When contamination or illegal dumping occurs recyclable materials may be redirected to the landfill. As well, City staff time and equipment are required for cleanup, meaning taxpayer dollars are diverted to address improper disposal.

Gaudet stressed this service is provided for the convenience of City residents and can only remain available if it is used properly.