Residents, businesses losing 15-cent deposits without return system, while litter accumulates

The City of Iqaluit is exploring the purchase of a machine where residents could exchange their empty aluminum cans for cash.

Municipal staff is looking at developing a “business case” to determine the feasibility of the move, Bill Williams, the city’s director of infrastructure, told councillors at their Nov. 25 regular council meeting.

The Government of Nunavut charges a 15-cent deposit on aluminum cans of alcohol sold in the territory. People previously could take their cans to a facility located at the Iqaluit business Northern Collectibles.

But the business discontinued the service in July, leaving consumers with nowhere to take cans for a refund.

The concept Williams presented to council includes a city-provided machine where residents could bring in empty beer cans for a refund of their deposits. The Government of Nunavut, which collects the deposits, would provide the refunds.

“Our goal, if approved by council, is to come up with a program that would be fully cost-recovered from the GN and not put the city in any jeopardy, financially,” Williams said.

Councillors unanimously gave the green light to start a feasibility study into this option.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how this could work and improve our city,” said Deputy Mayor Kim Smith, who described the sight of cans on the streets as “pretty gross.”

Iqaluit resident Derek Allerton says he has picked up 4,000 cans over the past six months. During a walk along Joamie Court on Friday afternoon, Allerton picked at least 20 cans off the side of the road.

“I know there are a lot more cans out there, and without the financial incentive for people to bring back cans many people don’t pick them up,” Allerton said.

The lack of a return system is an additional cost for some businesses.

Steve Sullivan, president of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and head of hospitality at Qikiqtaaluk Corp., said licenced bars and restaurants are losing a “significant” amount of money in lost can deposits and fees.

Without a recycling and return system in the city, cans are just going to the dump.

“It doesn’t seem to be fair to be taking that money from individuals and businesses for no service,” Sullivan said.

He said he wants the GN to respond to businesses’ concerns. He’s glad the city is looking into a solution.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” he said. “We’re willing to help.”

Before the election, former finance minister Lorne Kusugak mentioned the department was in talks with the city on a possible recycling program.

Hala Duale, spokesperson for the Department of Finance, acknowledged there is currently nowhere to recoup deposits in Iqaluit.

“The [Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission] continues to set aside 15 cents from each aluminum can sold to support recycling once services resume,” she said in an email.

“[The commission] would purchase services from a municipal service if one was available.”

Allerton said the city will have a lot to consider about how this system is operated and maintained, including that it might take in hundreds of thousands cans per month.

“But it’s a great idea and it’s better than what we currently have right now, which is nothing,” he said.