Green Routine expands its reach

Strathcona County’s recycling program is taking aim at a commercial waste pilot program, beginning this week

Posted By Catherine Griwkowsky News Staff

Posted 2 months ago

The Green Routine is expanding to commercial waste diversion.

County Hall, Millennium Place and Sherwood Park Arena have been chosen as pilot projects.

"We wanted to mimic the residential program as much as possible," Leah Seabrook of Strathcona County utilities, said.

Mayor Cathy Olesen thanked the residents for accepting the Green Routine during last Tuesday's council meeting.

Coun. Jason Gariepy said residents are now accepting of the program.

"The only complaints I hear are (people asking) when the county is going to lead the way," he said.

Coun. Glen Lawrence echoed that he was happy to see the county getting onboard.

"I only wish we would have seen the county-side first," Lawrence said. "Good work."

In commercial areas there will be a larger, central collection bin and smaller stations throughout the building.

Seabrook said the county is working with food vendors in Millennium Place to reduce waste like Styrofoam.

Starting Nov. 16, Millennium Place will start the pilot, and on Dec. 6, the county buildings will get with the Green Routine.

Seabrook said almost every school wants to be a part of the Green Routine, which will kick off phase two of the commercial waste diversion.

She said there are costs associated with the schools recycling, and the county will be looking to each school to come up with costs. School boards handle the cost of waste.

Coun. Roxanne Carr said she liked the idea of getting out to schools and communicating with them.

Seabrook said the county was intrigued by discussions with Bev Facey high school, specifically, with its passion for the Green Routine, and diverting waste.

Coun. Linda Osinchuk said she had found there are at least 200,000 tons of plastic bags floating in the ocean and she would like to see more statistics like it to get a picture of the importance of recycling.

Phase two will include the business community integrating the Green Routine.

Coun. Peter Wlodarczak asked what has been done with the restaurants, and said it will be important to target how they handle their waste.

catherine@sherwoodparknews.com