The annual spring giveaway weekend hosted by the Town of Altona continues to be a popular event.

The occasion allows residents to lay household items at the curb that are free for the taking and sees 'shoppers' from the community and surrounding area fill up their truck beds and trailers with one-of-a-kind finds.

"If you talk to residents they'll notice strange cars or cars they don't necessarily recognize. I know the staff has even commented on seeing full trucks leave the community over the weekend," said Dan Gagne, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town.

However, Gagne noted the 2018 giveaway weekend that took place earlier in May wasn't without some hiccups and explained that theft was an issue this year.

He said there were two police reports filed of items going missing that weren't up for grabs and a number of phone calls were placed to Town officials reporting minor instances where children's toys went missing from front yards.

While Gagne agreed that this is something the Town would like to correct in the future, he admitted that officials aren't quite sure how to go about it. He feels all of the communications issued by the Town regarding the giveaway weekend have been quite clear as to the 'rules'.

"We strongly recommend that people mark down 'free' on all items, I know most people don't," said Gagne, "for the people doing the shopping, we strongly advise that when in doubt don't take it or go and ask the resident. If the item is truly up for grabs they'll have no problem seeing you take it away but to just beg for forgiveness later after taking it, I think that's the wrong approach."

Meantime, a report compiled by the Public Works Manager indicates the clean-up following the weekend free-for-all remains the department's largest task in a single year. Numbers show 11 full-time employees dedicated 8 hours a day for 5 days on the effort, with labour costs totalling close to $9,000.

"It's definitely a monumental task," admitted Gagne, "we had a few absences and a few people on leave this year so it was a full hands on deck effort by our team."

That being said, the total amount of waste collected after the giveaway was down from the previous year. Gagne is optimistic this is a sign that residents are becoming more aware of responsible solid waste management and recycling practices.

"It's a good trend and we'd like to see that continue but next year could be completely different," he said.

In total, crews picked up just over 31 tonnes of recyclable steel, combustible material, general garbage, and tires. Tipping fees to dispose of this waste at the landfill cost the Town $1,634.60.

Gagne said the Town would like to see residents dispose of more of their own waste throughout the year, adding the hope is to provide more opportunities for that with the waste diversion area going up at the landfill.