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The Green Bin

Waste Diversion:

 

What is waste diversion?

It’s exactly what it sounds like. Diverting waste products away from the landfill and into more sustainable options, like recycling and compost.

According to FCM 40% of residential waste is compostable, and 40% is recyclable.  Part of the remaining 20% belongs in landfill, while others like electronics are disposed of alternatively. Why then is garbage collection in Kelowna weekly, if it comprises such a small part of our waste? Shouldn’t more priority be given to recycling and compost?

Did you know?

 

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities provides funding support for green initiatives and projects including waste diversion.

 

Municipal compost creates jobs!

  • For every 14,000 tonnes of waste produced:

    • Landfills/garbage will create 1 job

    • Recycling produces 9

    • Compost produces 8

Success!

All across the country Canadian cities have been introducing Compost programs as a sustainable way to reduce the amount of waste being put into landfill. From coast to coast to coast curbside collection programs have been positively impacting communities.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) outlines the four key components for successful waste diversion:

  • Partnership and collaboration

  • Policy and Legislation

  • Convenient options

  • Education and promotion 

Sherbrooke Quebec has diverted 54% of wastes away from landfill. With a population of approximately 150,000, it’s not much bigger than Kelowna, and could provide a reasonable model for how waste diversion could work here.  Here’s how they did it:

  • Equal sized bins for organics, recycling and garbage

  • Garbage collection occurs only biweekly

  • Replacement/purchase of a garbage bin costs $100, while compost and recycling bins are free

  • Service to multifamily buildings such as residences and apartments

  • Service to small business and institutions which are not large enough to warrant private collection. Such businesses are charged depending on the type of services they use

  • The city has partnered with local businesses to  create a directory for consumers of ecologically accountable businesses

To find out more about successful waste diversion stories from Canadian cities and how they did it, check out:

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