KEMPTOWN - Better garbage separation practices within Colchester County over the past year has resulted in nearly 3,000 tonnes less material at the municipal balefill facilty.
“I’m very happy,” said Darlyne Proctor, the municipality’s waste reduction manager. “It’s moving forward and we’re gaining strides in our diversion and we’re looking forward to even doing better for next year.”
Colchester County officially enacted a clear bag policy for garbage collection at the beginning of last January. During the first 12 months of operation, the move resulted in a reduction of household and commercial garbage by 2,674 tonnes.
Recyclables, meanwhile, have increased by 563 tonnes and organics (compost) have been increased by 1,007 tonnes.
“The clear bag has brought greater awareness of proper waste separation,” Proctor said. “There has been very good participation from both the residential and commercial sectors.”
Some businesses have even recognized cost savings by properly separating their waste, she said, and a number of businesses are looking at improving their signage to better promote proper garbage disposal at their sites.
But overall, one year after implementation of the program, officials are pleased with the direction things are going.
“I think all roads are moving towards success,” Proctor said. “There’s always room for improvement, for some fine tuning, but I think that was a pretty good jump,” she said, of the first year’s results.
By the numbers
Colchester County, Truro and Stewiacke garbage disposal from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2011 (in metric tonnes)
Household garbage – 6,367.31
Commercial garbage – 14,290.50
Total garbage – 20,658 tonnes
Organics – 6,370.14
Recyclables – 2,544.74
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2012
Household garbage – 4,885.72
Commercial garbage – 13,098.33
Total garbage – 17,984 tonnes
Organics – 7377.53
Recyclables – 3,107.55
