By Medicine Hat News on June 3, 2020.
Spring cleaning inside or outside the house is resulting in more trips to the landfill but there are precautions you need to take to avoid debris all over the place and a possible fine. Municipal bylaw enforcement and Cypress County are reminding residents to cover those loads being transported, especially during trips to the landfill. It is an environmental and safety issue. The City of Medicine Hat Waste Bylaw No. 1805 states: “No person shall convey through the highways any garbage, or offal from butcher shops or slaughter houses, or any waste or organic matter whatever except in properly covered receptacles or otherwise in vehicles which are covered or otherwise constrained so as to prevent the contents of any of them from falling on the highways.” Anyone failing to comply could receive a fine of $100. Alberta law requires all vehicles on a highway to have loads adequately secured to avoid the load swaying, blowing off, falling off or leaking. Before you start driving, ensure you cover sand, gravel or dirt with a tarp and keep it at least 75 millimetres below the top of your vehicle’s box or container. Place light objects lower in the container instead of at the top of your load, use a rope, bungee cords, nets, or straps to tie tarps and other objects down. Items such as mattresses and construction equipment must be tied to the vehicle. Put loose items, like garbage and yard waste, in a covered container so it is easier to secure, and attach a flag to any items that extend beyond the back of your vehicle. To report violations within the City of Medicine Hat call 403-529-8481. If you have questions related to this or any other bylaw enforcement issue please call the information line at 403-529-8400. To report violations within Cypress County contact the County office at 403-526-2888 or the Redcliff RCMP at 403-548-2288. 13