The City of Whitehorse is launching a request for information (RFI) to explore the feasibility of a curbside recycling program.

The decision was announced in a mid-afternoon Thursday news release from the city.

“This key step builds on the work done by the city and its partners on the recycling committee,” the release said.

“The committee has been exploring the options available to support the diversion of non-refundable recyclables in the city.”

Based on the best available information, estimates show a curbside recycling program could cost the city approximately $960,000 in capital costs for the purchase of recycling containers.

The annual operating expense for the collection and processing of non-refundable recyclables is estimated at $2.2 million.

The release also states any decision on a municipal curbside program will “also consider the forthcoming implementation of 
the Government of Yukon’s Ex-tended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation.

“This legislation will further support the city’s goal of creating a healthy, sustainable, and environmentally-conscious community.”

The RFI was issued today.

“The unexpected closure of the city’s largest free recycling drop-off has forced the city to find a viable alternative to support the continuation of diversion and recycling in our city,” said Mayor Laura Cabott.

“Despite the time constraints, staff have worked diligently with experts and our governmental partners to identify potential options and costs.”

Early this year, the Raven Recycling Society announced it will no longer accept materials through its 24/7 public drop-off bins after Dec. 31.

The bins receive plastics, paper, cardboard and tin cans, among other things.

All other services at the Industrial Road facility, such as the bottle depot, metals, textiles and e-waste recycling, will continue.

Heather Ashthorn, the executive director of Raven ReCentre, told the Star late Thursday afternoon Raven could extend its bins services to the city under the proper circumstances.

“We have been asked several times through various members of the Recycling Committee if we will provide an extension. We are waiting for confirmation that there will be a proposal for curbside recycling presented to mayor and council in the operating budget before we respond,” Ashthorn said.

“That should come soon, from what we are told.

“We have told the recycling com-mittee throughout the process that, if the city commits to curbside, has a realistic budget and an operating plan and a public announcement within a reasonable time frame, we will work with them to ensure there is no, or as little, gap in service as possible.”

The territory’s primary recycling processor calls its decision a way “to ensure a more comprehensive collection service in Whitehorse, in concert with the new EPR regulations.

“With EPR on the horizon, Raven Recycling leadership has chosen what it believes to be the most responsible path: without a city-wide collection system, the ability of Whitehorse citizens to divert material from the landfill has stalled,” the organization said.

“Raven has done as much as it can to provide access to recycling. Raven Recycling Society is now stepping aside, thereby enabling government to take the lead on collection services.

“We are counting on the city to meet the needs of Whitehorse in this way. Raven can help, but we can’t do it all on our own.”

Raven added, “The city has be-come too large, and the amount of material that comes through our public drop-off too plentiful for us to continue to manage.”

Whitehorse is one of the last Canadian cities without a city-wide blue box program.

“We are hopeful that there will not be a gap in collection in the Whitehorse area, as we continue to work with the City of Whitehorse and Yukon government to ensure the best possible transition to EPR,” said Ashthorn.