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APRIL 2011
30 years of the blue box
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n September 1981, one thousand homes in Kitchener were asked to sort steel cans, glass and paper from their garbage. One quarter of these homes were given a “special” container, a blue box, to use as a reminder and for storage to carry recyclables to the curb. The colour blue was chosen so the boxes would be easily seen from the curb.
The most recent program, and the one with the largest potential to recycle more home waste, is the green bin. Many residents using the blue box and green bin have only one tiny bag of garbage per week. Generations of blue boxes
As the blue box says, it is a “WE” thing. So pat yourselves on the back. Together, WE are making a difference.
Was the blue box a success? According to a 1988 issue of Canadian Geographic, “Kitchener boasts a participation rate of 85 per cent, a level unheard-of before the boxes appeared”. A local invention, now a global success. Over the years, the Blue Box Program has expanded to include more materials: aluminum cans, rigid plastic containers with the numbers 1 – 7 on the bottom, grocery and retail bags (no other film bags are accepted at this point), aerosol cans, juice boxes and milk cartons (empty, of course). All of the items collected are recycled into new products.
Landfilling should be the very last choice. To quote Nyle Ludolph (father of the blue box), “While it is difficult for the average person to do all the things needed to help the environment, recycling is something we all can do to make an impact.”
1995 Nyle Ludolph, the father of the blue box.
The Croal family, big environmental supporters, received box #1 in the city wide launch.
The blue box was our first waste diversion program. These days, paint, electronics, tires and gently used clothes can all be dropped off at either the Cambridge or Waterloo landfill sites for reuse/recycling.
1983
1981
Nyle with the first blue box
Marsland Centre receives Water Efficiency Award
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he Region of Waterloo has recognized Marsland Centre Ltd., a high-rise office at 20 Erb St. W. in Waterloo, with a Water Efficiency Excellence Award.
To learn more about the WET program and how your business can save water and money, please call 519-575-4757, ext. 3558 or visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/water.
Marsland Centre spent over $500,000 last year to install state-of-the-art cooling and water conservation technologies that reduced water consumption by over 7.3m3 per day. The water saved is enough to supply the daily needs of 10 households.
The Marsland Centre, 20 Erb St. W., Waterloo
• Region provides service free of charge to businesses • Water loss through leaks causes a significant increase to operating costs
Along with a new closed-loop boiler system and extensive washroom improvements made a few years ago, the building now uses approximately two-thirds of the water used in three comparable office towers in Waterloo Region.
• Region provides date and time stamped information to identify when water is flowing
The Region offers financial incentives to commercial, industrial or institutional properties that takes steps to reduce water consumption. The Marsland Centre qualified for and received funding through Waterloo Region’s Water Efficient Technology (WET) Program. “For anyone to reduce their water consumption there is up-front cost that is offset by a pay-off over time,” said Water Efficiency Manager Steve Gombos. “But the Marsland Centre invested well beyond a quick pay-off in order to do what is right for the environment. The result is that Marsland reduced its carbon footprint, saved water and reduced operating costs.“
Detecting water leaks:
What's inside?
Regional Chair Ken Seiling presents the Water Efficiency Excellence Award to Brad Marsland, Vice President of Marsland Centre Ltd.
Water conservation by-law . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rain barrel distribution day. . . . . . . . . 2 ECOFest celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Toilet replacement program. . . . . . . . . 2 Yard waste collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Make your home safer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Observations from the curb . . . . . . . . . 3 Green Bin goes to school . . . . . . . . . . 3 In the loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Waste whys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Source Water Protection Plan . . . . . . . 4 Fill up at the water wagon . . . . . . . . . . 4
Environmental information on protecting water and reducing waste
Water Conservation By-law starts May 31
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he Region of Waterloo wants to remind you the Water Conservation By-law is in effect from May 31 until September 30 each year. Water use can increase by up to 50 per cent during summer months. By following the By-law, you will help make best use of our water supply and reduce the need for future water supplies
When can I water? Watering by can or rain barrel can be done at any time. Your watering days for using tap water are based on the last digit of your building address number. Lawn watering is one day each week (see chart for your lawn watering day). Watering of gardens, washing of vehicles and performing other outdoor water activities can be done on alternate days (oddnumbered addresses water on odd-numbered calendar days; even-numbered addresses water on even-numbered calendar days). All watering activities must be done between the hours of 5:30 to 10 a.m. and 7 to 11 p.m.
Watering permits
you will use the “2” in your address to find your watering days. Using the chart, your lawn watering day is Tuesday. “2” is an even number which means you can water your garden, wash your car and perform other watering activities on even-numbered calendar days like June 2, June 4, June 6 …
Before planting grass seed or sod or applying nematodes, please call the Water Conservation By-law Hotline at 519-5754495 to apply for a free permit to extend your watering times.
All activities must be done on your designated days must be between the hours of 5:30 to 10 a.m. and 7 to 11 p.m.
• Collect rain water using barrels and other rain harvesting equipment
How to find your lawn watering day If your address ends in:
0 or 1
your watering day is:
Monday
2 or 3
Tuesday
4 or 5
Wednesday
6 or 7
Thursday
8 or 9
Friday
Tips to reduce your outdoor water use:
• Promote a healthy lawn; aerate, mow no shorter than 7.5 cm and water (including rain) no more than 2.5 cm a week • Use water-efficient plants, including ground covers in place of turf grass, and use mulch to keep soil moist • Cover pools and hot tubs when not in use to reduce evaporation
5:30-10 a.m. & 7-11 p.m.
For example if you live at 312 King Street,
Rain barrel distribution will continue for two more years R
esidents of Waterloo Region can once again purchase a subsidized rain barrel on Saturday April 30. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., the Region of Waterloo will be selling rain barrels for $40 each at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener and Cambridge Centre Mall. There will be a limit of one barrel per household and identification with proof of address is required. Quantities are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 200 litre capacity rain barrels are new for 2011 and are child safe, include a bug screen, are interconnecting and can fit in a compact car. Rain barrels are a great way to help conserve water and provide non-treated water for your plants.
The single-day distributions will cease after the April 2012 event. In 2013, a pilot program will begin that involves rain barrel coupon subsidies with retail partners.
What you need to know: When: Saturday April 30 Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out Locations: new design barrels
• Cambridge Centre Mall • Conestoga Mall (Waterloo)
• Fairview Park Mall (Kitchener) What to bring: $40 cash and identification with proof of address
ECOFest: Free family event on June 4 C elebrate Planet Earth by attending the 4th annual ECOFest on June 4, 2011 at the Waterloo Region Museum. This free event offers environmental displays, activities and entertainment
for the entire family. Stay tuned to www.regionofwaterloo.ca/EcoFest as well as local media outlets for more information as the date approaches. Mark June 4 on your calendar and join the fun!
Freettle
u GRT sh iew airv from F all Park M
Environews - April 2011
Toilet Replacement Program rebates HETs only T
he Region of Waterloo’s Toilet Replacement Program offers $60 rebates on Region-approved, WaterSense certified, 4.8-litre or lower, single and dual flush high efficiency toilets (HETs). “Technology and markets have shifted from 6-litre toilets to ones needing less water to flush,” explains Jim Wideman, Chair of the Water Efficiency Advisory Committee. “By giving rebates on the best performing 4.8litre units, we are encouraging people to save even more water for the environment.” In the past 15 years, over 60,000 old water guzzling toilets have been replaced through the Toilet Replacement Program, representing a savings of enough water to supply 10,000 homes. By replacing your old toilet with a single or dual-flush HET, you can save up to 378 litres a day. Businesses, landlords, churches, and not for profits must call to pre-register. For information including qualifiers and a list of Region approved toilets, call 519-575-4021 or visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/water
Rebate qualifiers : • Replacing 13-l itre or higher with Region app roved* 4.8litre single flu sh or dual flush • Connected to Region of Wat erloo municipal water supply • Residence buil t before 1996 • Maximum thre e rebates per ho usehold limit *Region approved toilets are Water Sense certified.
Make your home safer – get rid of those HHW’s
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e all have them – under our counters and in the garage. Household hazardous waste or HHW. Items like cleaners, paint and fertilizer are all chemicals and must be used, stored and disposed of safely. Hazardous chemicals should not be put in the garbage. The Region of Waterloo offers options for safe disposal, at no charge: • Residents can drop off these items at the HHW depot at the Waterloo landfill. Specially trained staff sort the chemicals; most are recycled. Paints that can be reused are given back to the community. • Paint and motor oil can be dropped off at the Cambridge landfill site.
• Motor oil can be put in bulk tanks at all waste transfer stations. • HHW community days – a mobile unit is set up for drop off of residential HHW. • Use Stewardship Ontario’s Orange Drop Program. Find a drop location near your home at www.makethedrop.ca. Some simple rules when dropping off HHW: • Keep the chemicals in their original containers so staff can see what they are. • 25L maximum can be dropped off. Be safe, be careful. For more information on HHW and locations, see our website www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste. Common household hazardous items that should be brought in. batteries
are HHW too!
Observations from the curb Your old, tired computer still sitting at the curb?
Can’t find your favourite jeans?
Electronics are banned from landfill and won’t be collected. Drop them off to be recycled. Check www.recycleyourelectronics.ca for a free location near you, or bring to either landfill (fees apply).
Always empty your appliances before setting to the curb. No need to call ahead for appliance pick up, just put it out by 7 a.m. on your garbage day (townships, refer to your calendar).
Lift the lid - green bin shock! Dog waste should not be left open and exposed. Yuck! Please wrap in newspaper or a paper bag then put in the bin. Same with kitty litter.
Bags are no match for glass. Please wrap sharp items (broken glass, mirrors and knives) in layers of newspaper and tape closed before putting them in a garbage bag.
Where does it go? Something not collected? Call us at 519-883-5100 or check our website www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste. We’re here to help.
The green bin goes to school A
don’t get wet, mushy or smelly (many of the fears we adults express!). Keep the lids closed tightly and make your own liners. Ty Cowell, Grade 4, can make an origami liner from newspaper in 40 seconds! If paper liners aren’t available, press sheets of newspaper into the container.
number of schools are joining the Green Bin Program. Just as sorting recyclables into the blue box has become natural for adults, sorting apple cores and leftover sandwich bits into the green bin is everyday at these schools. At Suddaby Elementary School, the young Grade 2’s understand this is important as the food waste is used to “make soil for the farmers.” Each classroom has a small container that is emptied by the students into larger green carts.
Kara Day, Grade 5, advises, “Kids care about the environment. To have a happy life, adults must care about it too and just empty it.” It’s that easy.
The students offer a few tips for good green binning: empty regularly. Their containers
Interested schools can contact our office for more information, 519-883-5100.
From left to right: Ty Cowell, Karen Saulesleja, Savannah Vagt, Kara Day. Suddaby School students.
HHW community drop-off days, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 April 30 May 7 June 4 July 9 August 6 August 20 October 1 October 22 November 5
Yard waste collection 2011 How to prepare for collection: n must be in paper yard waste bags (not in plastic bags) or a garbage can marked with a ribbon or yard waste sticker so the driver can easily identify it. Call us for a sticker, 519-883-5100. n weight limit 23 kg (50 lbs.) for bags and cans. n cut to 92 cm (3 ft.) lengths. Tie in bundles. Red : Cambridge, Waterloo Yellow: Kitchener Townships: refer to your calendar
2011
Mon Tues Wed Thu 21 22 23 24 March 28 29 30 31 April 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
The latest green bin expansion included the Townships and the response has been terrific!
Oct.
On one street, 23 out of 25 homes put out their green bins the very first week.
Nov.
Keep up the good work!
Environews - April 2011
Cambridge landfill Kitchener Memorial Auditorium New Hamburg Fairgrounds Cambridge landfill Wellesley Township Yard Cambridge landfill Ayr News parking lot Cambridge landfill St. Jacobs Arena Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
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In the loop
Waste whys
More programs to divert your waste. ■ Compost giveaway days: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sat., May 14 and Sat., Sept. 17 at both Region landfill sites (Cambridge, 201 Savage Dr., and Waterloo, 925 Erb St. W., Gate 2). Please bring your own containers and shovels and a donation for our local food banks.
■ Workshops
on backyard composting: Backyard composters are a great solution for lawn trimmings. To get the best results from your composter, come to one of our workshops: April 16, May 7 and June 18. Limited seating. Call to register, 519-883-5100. Free composters are available for pick up at the Cambridge or Waterloo landfill sites.
■ Seasonal drop off reuse programs
(April – Oct.) Mon. to Sat., 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., at the Waterloo landfill, Gate 2. Bikes - will be refurbished for reuse.
Household building products – to Habitat for Humanity
■ Public tours to celebrate
Earth Month, Waterloo landfill – Sat., April 30. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free, one hour guided tours. Fun for the whole family! See what happens to your waste: the processes, technology and the big equipment! Bus tours start at Gate 3, 1001 Erb St. W., Waterloo. Call to book a spot, 519-883-5100.
Commonly asked questions. Q: Why do I have to put my garbage out by 7 a.m. on collection day? A: Each of our services require a different truck. Most trucks start at 7 a.m. The time each truck stops at your house can change so it is important to have all waste items to the curb by 7 a.m.
■ Environmental
Education Centre, Waterloo landfill. Thousands of students (grades JK to 12) and adult groups have experienced this free two hour education program. Visitors learn how choices about waste impact our environment locally and globally. Weekdays only. Advance bookings and bus are required. To book, 519-883-5100.
■ Join a community cleanup. Help the litter cause and organize a cleanup. Information and supplies are available. For info and contacts, go to www.curelitter.ca.
Paint Reuse Program - Pick up free paint, quantities vary. (Also in Cambridge: Wed., 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
Q: Why can’t I use a plastic biodegradable bag in my green bin? A: The compost process is a natural process. The organics processor copies Mother Nature by creating just the right balance of moisture, heat and oxygen to turn organic materials into high quality compost in only three months. The addition of any plastic, even biodegradable, harms the process and reduces the quality of the compost.
Use the green bin to shrink your waste!
Goodwill – open all seasons at both landfill sites.
For detailed information on these and other services, locations, hours, etc., please go to the front of the phone book, our website www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste, or give us a call at 519-883-5100.
Developing our Source Water Protection Plan The Clean Water Act Process - and how you can get involved October 2009
June 2010
August 2012
Technical studies completed
Assessment report due
Source Protection Plan due
Prepare Assessment Report
Develop Source Protection Plan
Public consultations held
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Fill up this summer for free! L
Implement Source Protection Plan
Public opportunities to provide input into source protection policies and programs
he time has come to identify policies and programs to protect our drinking water sources from potential pollutants such as chemicals, road salt, and manure. The policies and programs for the Region’s municipal wells and surface water intakes will be part of the Grand River Source Protection Plan. The policies will be based on information from technical studies and land use surveys that were compiled in the Grand River Assessment Report (found online at www.sourcewater.ca). We are just starting to develop our draft policies and programs. If your property is located within a vulnerable area it may be
impacted by these policies. Once the Plan is approved in 2012, the Region will begin implementing the policies and programs. Visit www.sourcewater.ca to find out when public consultation sessions on the draft policies and the Source Protection Plan will be held in your area.
Waste Management Contact Info:
Water Services Contact Info:
Editors:
Waste Management 925 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4 Tel: 519-883-5100 Fax: 519-747-4944 customer-service@regionofwaterloo.ca www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste
Water Efficiency 150 Frederick Street, 7th Floor, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3 Water Quality and Supply Questions: 519-575-4757 ext. 3155 Water Efficiency: 519-575-4021 watercycle@regionofwaterloo.ca www.regionofwaterloo.ca/water
Waste Management: Water Services: Graphic Designer:
Environews - April 2011
ook for the water wagon at community events this summer. The water wagon is a mobile drinking water station with eight spigots for filling your reusable water bottle, eight water fountains and two dog dishes. Everything needed for the entire family to enjoy a refreshing drink.
Before leaving home, remember to bring your reusable water bottle. Our water wagon will be ready this summer to fill it up with thirst-quenching municipal tap water! For more information on the water wagon and event dates, visit online at www.waterontap.ca.
Kathleen Barsoum, 519-883-5100 Dan Meagher, 519-575-4423 Pat Dusseldorp, 519-575-4599 Corporate Publishing