The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has approved the permanent expansion of Saturday operating hours at Hartland Landfill and Public Drop-off Depot, extending the closing time from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This decision follows a one-year pilot project launched in June 2024 aimed at improving access and service at the site. The pilot extended Saturday hours by three hours, aiming to reduce peak-time congestion, increase recycling and diversion rates, and gather public feedback. Weekday hours remained unchanged (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and the site continued to be closed on Sundays and statutory holidays.
Public response to the pilot was overwhelmingly positive. Many respondents noted that Saturdays were their only available day to visit the site, and the longer hours helped reduce wait times.
Survey data showed that 85% of respondents were residential customers, while 7% were neighbours and 7% commercial users. While a small number of neighbours expressed concerns about increased traffic, the majority supported the change.
Operational data supported the survey findings. Scale records showed an 11.5% increase in total vehicle visits during the pilot year compared to the previous year, with over half of that increase occurring during the new Saturday afternoon hours.
Hartland staff also observed a shift in customer behaviour, with visits more evenly distributed throughout the day. This helped reduce the pre-closing rush and allowed staff and contractors to manage workloads more efficiently. Fewer lineups extended onto Hartland Avenue, improving safety and traffic flow.
Staff will continue to monitor site usage and may consider further adjustments to hours in the future.
For more information on Hartland Landfill and its operations, visit crd.ca/Hartland.
