People lined up outside with their bags waiting to be let in. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Re-Open Saskatchewan

SARCAN open again after COVID-19 closure

Jun 15, 2020 | 4:00 PM

Residents in Prince Albert are once again able to recycle their cans and bottles.

SARCAN Recycling reopened for business Monday morning. The recycler closed its doors in March to protect staff and the public from the COVID-19 virus.

Bill Powalinsky, CEO of P.A. and District Community Service Centre said the preparations to reopen started a few weeks ago.

“We started ramping up a couple weeks ago, getting the plants in shape, we did a major renovation at the north depot, I am sure people won’t recognize the building when they show up,” he said.

Powalinsky explained they have taken a number of steps to help protect both their staff and the public. This includes putting up glass shields at the front and limiting the number of people allowed inside at a time.

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“Line ups are long and I really appreciate people being as patient as they are, because we have to maintain a certain amount of distance,” he said.

In order to make sure all the health regulations are being followed Powalinsky said they have hired additional staff members to help direct and keep track of people coming in. At SARCAN’s location in the south of the city, cars were lined up onto the street waiting to get into the parking lot.

Powalinsky estimates their centres will be busy for the next little while as people drop off what has been piling up and also make multiple trips.

“I am going to guess two weeks,” he said.

For those who are not interested in waiting in line, the south facility is now offering a drop and go option. People can go set up an online account and then tag their bags as they load them in. Customers who use this option will have to wait one or two days to get their money.

“For people who can’t afford to wait and don’t want to wait, drop and go is option,” Powalinsky said.

Employees are working behind protective glass. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Public welcomes reopening

Local resident Floyd brought four bags to the south location this morning. He explained he drove by the facility earlier and saw a long line up, so he decided to do some other errands and come back. When he returned there was still a significant line.

“I figured I might as well get in the line up and wait,” he said.

Floyd added he was glad to see things opening up again.

Desmond was another person who came out to drop off his recycling. He said he was lined up for awhile to get into the SARCAN parking lot.

“I think its been about an hour for us to get in the parking lot,” he explained.

Desmond added it is nice to see things reopening as it is a way to help get back into a more normal routine.

Cars wait in the street to get into the parking lot. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn