The regional district has decided that one man's junk isn't another man's treasure at the local landfill.
As of Dec. 1, the public reuse facility at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill - better known as the swap shed - will be closed permanently. The facility currently provides a site for users to drop off or pick up household items that are generally nearing the end of their lifespan.
Directors of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George made the unanimous decision Thursday on a recommendation from the board's environment and parks standing committee.
In its current mode of operation, there are suspicious materials dropped off that are potential hazards to the health of the public and employees, regional district general manager of environmental services Petra Wildauer explained.
Arguments amongst swap shed visitors is also on the rise.
"There's an increased amount of people rudely fighting, discussing items to be taken," she said. "People dropping off items are being approached prior to items even being in the swap shed."
According to Wildauer, the most recent problem involved a staff member threatening to call the RCMP in order to break up a fight.
According to a report from Wildauer, the facility would need to increase costs and be staffed full-time while the Foothills dump is open in order to provide a safe and healthy environment.
Last year, 585 salvaging permits were issued for visitors making 15-minute stops to the swap shed and more than 17,000 kilograms of materials were reused.
With the closure of the Foothills site, there are still swap sheds available at the regional district's transfer stations in addition to the area's six thrift stores, nine second-hand stores and three websites for used, free goods and material exchange opportunities, said Wildauer's report.
