CITY-WIDE RECYCLING UNDERWAY; CONTAMINATION RATE HIGHER AT MULTI-UNIT BUILDINGS

Over 1,000 blue “Recycle with Cosmo” containers have been delivered to apartments and condos as Saskatoon’s multi-unit residential recycling program is now fully implemented. The multi-unit recycling service provider is Cosmopolitan Industries (Cosmo), a non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities.

“With the implementation of our new multi-unit program, residential recycling service in Saskatoon is now city-wide,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “When done correctly, recycling reduces the amount of garbage sent to the landfill. Unfortunately, we’re finding that about 20% of the material in multi-unit recycling bins is garbage and we want to remind residents to put waste in the right place.” Wallace adds.

The City and Cosmo remind residents in multi-unit buildings like apartments and condos, that the same materials accepted through the curbside recycling program, with Loraas Recycle as the service provider, are accepted in the multi-unit recycling program. This includes paper and cardboard, plastic containers with number 1 to 7, milk jugs, laundry jugs, tin cans, aluminum trays and glass. The clean recyclable material does not require sorting or bagging – simply toss it loosely into the blue outdoor “Recycle with Cosmo” bin for the building.

“Resident participation is important for an effective recycling program and education serves as the foundation for success,” adds Wallace. “The City of Saskatoon and Cosmo have collaborated to develop an education program to increase participation in the multi-unit recycling program, and decrease the amount of garbage placed in the outdoor bins.”

“Cosmo is working closely with Building Managers by providing ongoing support, education and promotional materials to help them engage residents in their buildings and complexes in how and why to recycle,” says Sharlene Duquette, Executive Director of Cosmopolitan Industries. “Building Managers play a key role in addressing the challenges and opportunities of multi-unit recycling.”

For information on program details and collection schedules, call Cosmopolitan Industries at 306-955-9100. For recycling tips and program information, visit Saskatoon.ca/recycle. For information on recycling charges on utility bills, call the City of Saskatoon Corporate Revenue at 306-975-2400.

By recycling paper and packaging, and putting waste in the right place, together we grow a greener Saskatoon.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

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