The City of Whitehorse is still undecided on how it will handle the closure of the Raven Recycling Society’s drop-off bins in September.

The subject came up once again Tuesday evening at council’s standing committees meeting.

Ira Webb, the city’s head of solid waste services, appeared before council members to update them on the latest information.

Webb pitched an idea of establishing a drop-off depot for residents as a compromise solution. It would be set up at the landfill site.

The cost of such a program would be a million dollars over the next two years, as compared to the $4-million or $5-million cost of a full replacement program.

Councillor Ted Laking told the Yukon Star Thursday he favours the drop-in facility, which would include some relatively modest user fees of approximately $2 a bag.

“We have a couple of options. We can let Raven close and do nothing. Or we can look into these depots.”

“Costs for residents are going up,” Laking added. “Many people are struggling financially. I’m very hesitant to increase costs, so I’m personally preferring a drop-off location.”

Laking called the option a “good compromise”.

He said he isn’t sure how his fellow councillors feel about the issue, but several, notably Mayor Laura Cabott, asked critical questions of Webb on Tuesday evening.

Another city official appeared before council members several weeks ago, reminding members of how a drop-off depot would require a financial investment, extra city staff members and decisions on user fees.

A decision on a possible depot is scheduled to be made during Monday evening’s full council meeting.

Cabott said in 2023 a new city curbside pickup program would involve direct user fees and would not be made available to country residential subdivisions.

After it closes its bins in September, Raven said earlier this year, Whitehorse residents should contact city hall for answers on what to do with their recyclables.