KITCHENER -- The Region of Waterloo reopened its landfills to the public on Monday, and more than 1,200 people came to drop off garbage.
Thomas Alkem, who works as a operations supervisor, says they typically get 1,500 visitors on a Saturday during spring clearning season.
"This is probably our busiest Monday that we'll have on record," he says.
People started lining up as early as 7 a.m., but those that spoke to CTV said they were moved through the process quickly.
"I was surprised," says one. "I was expecting to be here till 4 p.m. But I was so glad, everything was good."
The waste management sites in Waterloo and Cambridge were closed at the end of March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that time, there were complaints of garbage being thrown onto the side of some county roads.
Some residents also turned to junk removal companies to dispose of their unwanted household items.
The region announced last week that it would reopen both drop-off sites on Monday.
Only four scales are currently open to the public. Mulch and compost pick-up are not available and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore trailer, Goodwill Donation Centre and bike bunker remain closed.
Before the reopening the region worked with Public Health on safety precautions including the installation of plexiglass at e-transfer stations.
Residents are being asked to make only essential trips to the landfill.
