A few important fact, figures and considerations regarding the Regional Landfill.
The Regional landfill operates under the guidance of the Lesser Slave Lake Regional Waste Management Services Commission; which is comprised of three Council Members from the Town of Slave Lake and three Council Members from the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River. The facility operates under approval from Alberta Environment and provincial legislation.
The transfer stations in Smith, Flatbush and Marten Beach are operated under the supervision of the MD, and as such are a separate entity from the Regional Landfill. For questions related to transfer stations, please call the MD office at 780.849.4888
- View Provincial Laws Regarding the Regional Landfill
How Long Does it Take to Decompose?
The chart below shows average decomposition times for some commonly disposed items. Keep in mind that these decomposition times are for items left out in the elements. Items in a landfill would take far longer to decompose because they are covered up, thus eliminating many elements required to assist in breaking down materials. There are actually landfills in the US that were shut down in the 40's that you can dig up a news paper and still read it, or find a hot dog still the same as it was when deposited.
| Item | Decomposition Time | Item | Decomposition Time | |
| Paper Towel | 2 to 4 Weeks | Cigarette Butts | 10 to 12 Years | |
| Banana Peel | 3 to 4 Weeks | Leather Shoes | 25 to 40 Years | |
| Paper Bag | 1 Month | Tinned Steel Can | 50 Years | |
| Newspaper | 1 to 5 Months | Foamed Plastic Cups | 50 Years | |
| Apple Core | 2 Months | Rubber Boot Sole | 50 to 80 Years | |
| Cardboard | 2 Months | Plastic Containers | 50 to 80 Years | |
| Cotton Glove | 3 Months | Aluminum Can | 200 to 500 Years | |
| Orange Peels | 6 Months | Plastic Bottles | 450 Years | |
| Plywood | 1 to 3 Years | Disposable Diapers | 550 Years | |
| Wool Sock | 1 to 5 Years | Monofilament Fishing Line | 600 Years | |
| Milk Cartons | 5 Years | Plastic Bags | 200 to 1,000 Years |
Life, Work and Leisure in Lesser Slave River