Residents in Wetaskiwin County are reminded that paper transfer station cards are no longer valid as the municipality completes its transition to a new electronic access system. The deadline to stop using old paper cards passed on April 15, 2026, and homeowners must now use permanent, plastic radio frequency identification cards to access any of the nine county-operated waste transfer stations.
The county initially announced the shift to the new technology in July 2025. While the original plan aimed to phase out paper cards by October of that year, the County of Wetaskiwin extended the deadline by six months to ensure residents had enough time to apply for their replacements.
According to Reeve Josh Bishop, the modernization initiative is intended to provide more reliable and cost-effective waste management services for the long term. The new cards are permanent and will remain valid until a resident stops owning their property.
Landowners in the county are eligible for one free card. Additional cards, such as those for family members or tenants, as well as replacements for lost cards, are available for a $25 fee. Residents can apply for their cards either in person at the county office or online through the county’s website. Once processed, cards can be picked up or sent by mail.
The move to the new system has also coincided with changes in regional service agreements. As of January 1, 2026, residents of the Town of Millet no longer have access to the East Millet Waste Transfer Station after the town council voted to end its agreement with the county due to concerns over the costs associated with the new identification system.
The waste collected at county facilities is transported to the West Dried Meat Lake Regional Landfill near Ferintosh. For questions regarding the new cards, residents can contact the county office at 780-352-3321.
