Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The three R's that we have been taught since school are a great way to reduce waste in the landfills. 

Residents looking to cut their waste in 2021 are encouraged to add 3 more R's to their routine.

Rethink, Refuse and Repair.

Paul Lyons, Waste Services Manager for Okotoks explains adding these three R's is an easy way to change the way we think about waste. What we are buying and how we are buying, and do we need it?

"Straws, for example," says Lyons. "Very very small, seemingly insignificant, but do we have to accept it? We could refuse that."

He adds that repairing smaller appliances or furniture themselves or by utilizing the Towns Repair Cafe can greatly contribute to reducing waste as a whole.

Lyons tells us those wanting to get rid of any extra fabrics or clothes have a sustainable way to clear up space. 

"The Okotoks Eco Centre has for a number of years now accepted clothing for recycling so instead of putting these in the garbage we are encouraging residents to take it to the Eco Centre."

The Eco Center located at 400-1118 N Railway St was temporarily closed due to COVID-19 but has since opened and is accepting clothing again as well as a drop off for polystyrene foam. 

Lyons says they did see an increase in waste pickup over the Christmas season with more residents staying home due to COVID restrictions. 

"In December, recycling and organics were almost a flat line, but we did see a little bit more garbage being disposed of in December."

Lyons does thank the community for their continued use of the organics collection since its rollout in 2016. 

"The program is maturing. I would love for over residents to continue supporting this program, and if this is an indication of things to come, then I want to take the opportunity to commend residents for using the program adequately. As we move forward, I would expect to see these challenges continue to increase. So in terms of disposal, that is for 2019 / 2020, the organics was the one that showed highest increase in terms of month over month."

Residents are encouraged to download and use their Okotoks Waste App for, not only information on which waste goes where but also provides updates on when garbage service pickups have changed.

"Take, for example, the week before Christmas when we had that storm, we were able for residents who have the app, we were able to send direct communication to them, saying we have unfortunately suspended the collection and here is the new collection date."

Residents can learn more about waste and the Waste App on the Town Of Okotoks Website HERE

 

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