ABERFOYLE – Puslinch Township and Nestlé Waters Canada are hoping convenience will boost local recycling efforts.
On Feb. 5, councillors here agreed to the pitch presented by Nestlé Waters regarding a public spaces recycling program designed by Reclay StewardEdge and Recycle Everywhere.
The project would involve dual use containers accepting both garbage and recyclable materials in public locations throughout the township.
Nestlé Waters’ natural resources manager Andreanne Simard was at council making the pitch along with Ken Friesen, president of Reclay StewardEdge Inc.
Friesen has been involved in waste reduction and recycling since 1990 and has led the initiation, design and implementation of multi-stakeholder stewardship programs.
Friesen noted his company has helped Nestlé Waters initiate similar projects in other communities.
Simard added, “I am excited to be here to present a project that I think would be great for our community here in Puslinch.”
She said the project will enhance recycling efforts in the community.
Simard added, “this project will be fully-funded by Nestlé Waters Canada and is similar to the public spaces recycling project undertaken in Erin.”
She clarified that Nestlé’s request was for permission to work with staff on the project.
“I think this would be a great opportunity for our community,” Simard added.
Friesen said his company works with a wide range of recycling industries, not only in Canada, but in Europe and the United States.
He noted there were initial projects with Nestlé Waters in Sarnia and the Niagara region.
Friesen said 70 per cent of beverages are consumed away from home.
“People walk down the street, in the park or at the local arena carrying beverage containers, which is why there is a need for public space recycling,” Friesen said, stressing, “convenience drives recovery.”
He stated that in Manitoba, a similar program is responsible for a dramatic increase in the recycling rate for beverage containers – from 42% to roughly 69% – in a few short years.
“We can say people should care more, or do more, do the right thing. The fact of the matter is that in our society, if it is not convenient, people won’t do it,” said Friesen.
Based on meetings with public works staff in Puslinch, Friesen said, “I believe this program will work very well here.”
As to the project timeline, Friesen said the Feb. 5 meeting was considered the kickoff leading into site assessments and bin selection.
He said bins would be placed in April followed promotion of the public space recycling program.
Friesen noted that in June there will be public space waste audits to determine what is being recycled and how much is still ending up in the garbage.
He noted the project includes bins that accept garbage on one side and recycling on the other.
“It’s really important that bins be paired. If people have to walk 30 feet to dispose of recyclables or walk 30 feet to dispose of garbage, too many will just throw the item in the nearest bin,” he said.
He noted the Puslinch project will include over two dozen such bins.
“We can’t do everything. At the end of the day the residents still have to make a decision. But if the decision is really convenient, there is a much greater chance the person is going to put the material into the right bin.”
He noted in Erin, where a similar project was initiated, recycling rates increased from 74% to 87%.
Mayor James Seeley agreed it is frustrating when he is at other community recreation facilities and all that is available is a big black can.
While many municipalities do have sorting options for recycling, “for some reason the arenas and parks hasn’t really started. I think this is a great idea..”
Councillor Matthew Bulmer stated Nestlé Waters also contributed bins when the Optimist Recreation Centre first opened.
Simard noted she lives in the community and when she took her kids to local soccer fields she noticed there really was no infrastructure in place for recycling.
A press release issued by Nestlé Waters Canada president Adam Graves stated, “We have see the proven results of this program in smaller communities across Canada and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have here in Puslinch, where many of our employees live, work and play.”
He added “As a producer, we recognize the role we play in ensuring our products are consistently recycled, and know that public spaces are traditionally a gap where more can be done to increase recovery rates.”
Seeley stated the township is “very pleased that Nestlé Waters Canada has brought such an innovative public-space recycling program with a proven track record of increasing recycling rates to Puslinch.”
