The City of Richmond's pilot public spaces recycling program has reduced beverage containers found in the waste stream by 27 per cent.
Not only did the Go Recycle! program keep beverage containers out of the garbage, it also created a 25 per cent decline in recyclable non-beverage containers found in the system. The two successes combined to make a 35 per cent reduction in waste going to landfill overall.
The Canadian Beverage Association, Encorp Pacific and Nestlé Waters Canada funded the cost of purchasing new recycling container infrastructure for the pilot project.
They were also responsible for the overall management of the project as well as pre-and post-pilot measurement of the program. The city was responsible for installing, servicing and maintaining the containers, including assuming the operating costs associated with any changes to current waste management services.
Public spaces recycling captures the "last mile" of recyclables - items typically captured through Encorp Pacific's Return ItT depositrefund recycling program as well as municipal curbside recycling programs - but abandoned by consumers in park spaces, recreational facilities like arenas, streetscapes, transit stops, bars and restaurants, elementary and secondary schools, convenience stores and gas stations.
The Richmond program deployed 81 recycling receptacles in four specific areas of the community - Garry Point Park, Hugh Boyd Playing Field, Steveston Community Centre and Steveston Village. All receptacles have since been donated to the city by the industry consortium. "The visitor experience at our parks and in the village has improved," said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
"I'm pleased to announce that due to the success of the pilot program, city council last night approved a plan for gradual expansion of the program on a city-wide basis, starting this year."
NOMINATE A HISTORIAN
Nominations are being called for the annual Richmond Heritage Awards, which celebrate those who dedicate time to preserve the city's cultural identity. The city's Heritage Commission is encouraging the public to submit nominations to recognize the treasured stories for the awards to be celebrated in early May. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 22.
Individuals and organizations, which have contributed to preserving and promoting Richmond's heritage, will be eligible for the awards.
All heritage-related accomplishments will be accepted. Some examples of qualifying work include restoring, maintaining or adaptively re-using a heritage building, its interior or special architectural features; preserving or maintaining a heritage landscape; promoting local heritage; and furthering the knowledge of Richmond's heritage.
To nominate, send the commission a brief one-page summary describing the role of the nominee and the scope of their contribution. Your name, address and telephone number must be included as well as those of the nominee's. For more information or to submit, contact the city's planning department at 604-276-4193 or email [email protected].
The awards jury will be composed of members of the Richmond Heritage Commission and guest jurors. The awards will be presented at the Richmond Delta Regional Heritage Fair's closing awards ceremony on Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. in the performance hall of the Richmond Cultural Centre.
