Efforts to get St. Albert residents to cut the amount of trash they toss has long been a focus of the municipal government, but the results of a recent surprise neighbourhood inspection may raise a stink at city hall.
On July 12, members of the city’s Curbside Waste Education team sifted through brown and green bins, and blue bags set out for collection at homes on Annette Crescent to gauge how well residents have sorted their trash, compostables and recyclables, and to educate if waste disposal issues arise.
The inspection in Akinsdale, one of about 115 that are expected to be carried out on random streets throughout St. Albert this summer, shows there is still confusion when it comes to determining what items can be put in blue recycling bags.
Wrappers, straws, plastic bottle caps and a polyethylene foam pool noodle were found in one of the blue bags. None of those items can be recycled.
Results from other inspections under the waste-sorting audit, which kicked off on July 9, haven't been released.
One blue bag containing improper items might not seem like a major problem, but after all the years of promoting ways to reduce rubbish in St. Albert, the discovery is sure to cause concern. This is particularly irksome because the information about what is and is not recyclable is easily accessible by visiting the city's website, stalbert.ca, and searching “Garbage, Organics and Recycling,” or on the BeWasteWise app.
The recent finding has to be frustrating for city officials who have launched numerous education initiatives aimed at reducing waste at the landfill at Roseridge Waste Management Services Commission, just east of Morinville. It's imperative they keep an eye on the data collected during the summer inspections to determine the extent of the confusion and what other action, if necessary, is warranted to ensure the problem doesn't persist. It might be a good time for the city to consider a campaign that will remind residents of the rules and alleviate any confusion.
The push to get St. Albertans to reduce, reuse and recycle is key to achieving one of the city’s nine air, land and waters goals in its Environmental Master Plan.
Among the list of key priorities in the plan, first approved in 2014, is to reduce the amount of solid waste generated to 105 kilograms or less per person per year by 2020. A city report, released this year, said in 2017 St. Albert residents generated about 123 kg of waste per person, up slightly over the past few years.
With just over 17 months left to reach the city’s target, the pressure is on to see that number drop.
That means all neighbourhoods, from Erin Ridge North to Heritage Lakes, must be ready to excel at following green rules, not only during an unexpected scrutiny of trash practices but every day of the year.
The city needs everyone to do their part. There are a lot of good reasons to recycle and reduce waste. It is good environmental stewardship, it saves tax dollars and citizens should have a sense of pride about reducing the need for landfill space.
