What you need to know as SARCAN sites reopen
SASKATOON With many people across Saskatchewan facing ever-larger piles of empties, SARCAN announced plans for reopening its network of bottle depots to the general public.
There will be some changes to the services. A SARCAN media release noted customers can expect to see a few differences.
1. SAVE THE DATE SARCAN depots will resume service for the general public starting on June 15.
2. COME PREPARED SARCAN is asking people to do what they can to make their trip as quick as possible. Customers are asked to sort their recycling by material type to help staff count containers as quickly as possible. Containers should be clean, with caps removed. People are also asked to keep non-deposit items and trash out of their orders.
3. SAFETY MEASURES Customers arriving at a SARCAN depot will notice floor decals guiding them to keep apart. There will also be limits on how many people can be inside at any one time. Staff members will serve as “recycling guides” to help people figure out the best way to get their order processed. Some areas will have Plexiglas barriers to separate workers and customers. Staff will also clean more frequently and wear PPE.
4. BEAT THE WAIT With a nearly three-month backlog of bottles to process, combined with reduced capacity, SARCAN’S media release noted people should expect longer waits to get orders processed.
People are encouraged to use the Drop & Go service, which allows customers to simply tag the bags they drop off without waiting in line. SARCAN noted this is the fastest option and also involves the least potential for contact. Drop & Go users can get their money either via Paypal, or by cheque. They can also ask to have their deposit money donated to a charity.
5. SERVICE CHANGES In order to reduce potential contact points and prevent transmission of COVID-19, SARCAN will temporarily stop handing out printed materials, such as brochures. Wine bottle sales and the paint reuse program will also be temporarily stopped.