May 28, 2007

Town of Richmond Hill Residents Give the Green Bin the Green Light

Richmond Hill - Richmond Hill already achieves 50 per cent waste diversion rate after one month of Green Bin usage

RICHMOND HILL– Richmond Hill residents in single family homes have openly embraced the Town’s “GoingGREEN” organics recycling program in its first month of usage, diverting 19 per cent more of their household waste from garbage dumps compared to the same period last year.

“Richmond Hill residents are to be commended for using their new Green Bin and doing their part in helping our environment,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “The Town is now at a 50 per cent overall diversion rate, which brings us closer to our goal of 65 per cent.”

In March of this year, all homeowners who received municipal curbside collection had a Green Bin delivered to their door in anticipation of the launch of the first collection on April 3. With each Green Bin delivered was also an instructional DVD, a how-to information package and a smaller in-house bin, all to encourage residents to “go green” and show how easy it really is.

“With approximately 85 per cent of homes using the Green Bin, residents have pleasantly surprised us by almost doubling our diversion rate for the same period last year,” said Italo Brutto, Commissioner of Engineering & Public Works.

“The program has had a great start, but some residents might not know that they can do more in recycling organics,” said Jeff Meggitt, Manager of Waste Management & Traffic Operations. “Many people may not realize how much can go into their Green Bin – more than what goes in your composter! From all food products and used tissues to hair and pet fur, and from pet waste and diapers to microwave popcorn bags and shredded paper, it can all go in.”

To help residents understand Green Bin collection, the Town also has a GoingGREEN team (complete with a Green Bin mascot) that has been out in the community answering any questions about the program. As well, the Town has hosted a series of public open houses to help educate residents on organics recycling and purchased an electric hybrid vehicle wrapped with an identifiable GoingGREEN decal.

If residents have any questions, they can call the GoingGREEN Helpline at (905) 771-2525. To find out when their collection day is, residents can refer to their copy of the 2007 Waste Management Calendar or visit the Town’s Website where information is available in multiple languages.

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