It will likely be Monday before it’s clear exactly where Yukoners should be taking their e-waste after Oct. 1.

Amanda Couch, a spokeswoman for the Department of Community Services, told the Star this morning the request for proposals has closed on the contract for a depot, but the contract hasn’t been awarded.

An announcement about the location is expected Monday, Couch said.

The uncertainty arose at Tuesday evening’s city council meeting, when changes to the waste management bylaw were brought forward for council’s consideration.

The proposed amendments would reflect the changes to the territory’s designated materials regulations to include electronic and electrical waste that are expected to come into effect Oct. 1.

As Geoff Quinsey, the city’s manager of water and waste, told council: “Both electronic and electrical products as listed in the designated materials regulation schedule will become banned waste.

“Banned waste is not accepted at the waste management facility. After Oct. 1, 2018 – or the date when the new regulation will come into effect if there is a delay on YG’s part – the city will not charge a tipping fee for these products since they will not be accepted at the waste management facility.”

Quinsey’s report went on to highlight plans to advertise that it will no longer accept e-waste at the landfill after the territory informs the city where e-waste will be collected.

Coun. Betty Irwin was quick to highlight the tight timeline for the changes – with no indication of where residents should take their e-waste after Oct. 1.

“Shouldn’t the public be made aware?” she questioned. She later commented that she doesn’t think it’s fair that the public hasn’t been notified.

Others also highlighted the short time frame for residents to learn where to take their e-waste.

Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu asked if city staff have had “any indication” on when a depot will be ready.

Quinsey responded that the territory has indicated an announcement will be forthcoming.

The territory’s online tender management system shows one proposal – valued at $595,580 – was received for the depot. It came from the Raven Recycling Society.

Coun. Roslyn Woodcock acknowledged she’s somewhat nervous about how things may initially fall out with the change. She also commented she’s “super-excited” for the new regulations to come into effect.

Meanwhile, Coun. Dan Boyd suggested there should be more of a transition period where residents could initially bring their e-waste to the landfill.

The e-waste collected there could then be brought to the depot.

Quinsey confirmed such an option could be considered. He also made it clear that administration believes this is the best way to deal with the changes, as it makes a clear line for residents on where e-waste should go.

Council, which has now finished its annual summer break from meetings, will vote next week on whether to move forward with the changes to the bylaw.

Coun. Rob Fendrick was absent from last night’s meeting.