The city of Port Coquitlam is hoping to push residents' household waste diversion rate to at least 70%, a goal set by the Metro Vancouver region.
Currently, the city diverts 62% of its waste from the landfill, thanks in large part to the city's successful kitchen waste and recycling programs. But the increases have stalled in the last year and the city is hoping a renewed effort from residents could push the municipality past the regional goal.
About 75% of what is typically thrown away can go into green and blue carts, according to a city press release.
The city has continued to develop its waste-reduction program this year, with the expansion of the green cart program to multi-family complexes, the introduction of green and blue cart collection at schools, and more opportunities for waste sorting in the community.
Residents can now separate their food scraps and cans/bottles at both of Port Coquitlam's recreation centres, at civic events such as the Rivers and Trails Festival on Sept. 25, and in some public locations, including Shaughnessy Street.
For more information about the city's waste diversion efforts go to www.portcoquitlam.ca/wasteloss.
PORT MOODY TRASH
Port Moody has also seen similar success with its waste diversion efforts.
According to the city, the percentage of trash being diverted from the landfill jumped from 40%, where it sat for decades, to about 60% in about six months. The increase followed Port Moody's decision to bring its waste collection efforts in-house, which the city said gave more flexibility.
The city's efforts did not stop at 60% diversion and, as of the end of July, the average diversion rate in 2011 was 75%.
