Reduce, reuse, recycle

By Diana Walker

We are told that these are great ways to help the environment by keeping material out of the landfill. Individuals can reduce and reuse on their own, but the recycling needs individuals and a larger organization.

On April 24, members of the Big Country Regional Recycling Society (BCRRS) met with Sean Olmstead, Director of Operations for the Big Country Waste Management Commission (BCWMC).

It may seem like there is little recycling happening in the Special Areas other than paper and cardboard, However, statistics provided by Mr. Olmstead show that there is still a large amount of recyclables being diverted out of the BCWMC landfill south of Youngstown.

Statistics from 2024 Include:

• Pesticide jugs - 16 tonnes

• Plastic jugs - 1 tonne

• E-waste (electronics) - 330 tonnes

• Batteries - donated to community groups to sell metal

• 311 tonnes cardboard

• and paper - 222 tonnes (99 % is cardboard).

With all of us working together, we can continue to keep these materials out of the landfill, extending its life for many years, and keeping our environment cleaner and healthier.