After three months of shutdown, SARCAN ready to reopen depots
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. The depots have been closed since mid-march.
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 also are 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 where to stand in order 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 in place to separate workers and customers. Staff also will 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 between customers and staff. 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 also will be temporarily stopped.