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Radical Rethink of Recycling in unique Banff

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector Waste
Project value$1,440,000
Project Type Capital Project
Sub Sector Multiple Diversion Types
Grant amount$250,000
Program type GMF
Municipality Town of Banff, AB
Loan amount$250,000
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 8,305
Project timeline 2009 - 2012
Project number 9610

Description

The Town of Banff will establish an enhanced recycling system for residents that addresses its unique situation. Located within a national park, Banff is wholly dependent on tourism and generates signficantly larger than normal amounts of municipal solid waste (MSW). Because of past wildlife issues, curbside blue boxes and backyard composting are not advisable and the residents currently use a system of dispersed, communal bear-proof garbage bins. Residents have had access to two centralized recycling depots, as well as a roving neighbourhood trailer where businesses and residents can drop off large items and/or quantities of recyclable materials. Since residential food waste is not currently accepted, diversion rates seem to have peaked at 15-20 percent. The Town plans to introduce a two-stream recycling system that would involve bear-proof blue bins, an upgraded handling/sorting system, and a major local awareness campaign. With these improvements in place, the Town expects to achieve a 53 percent diversion rate by December 2008. Other benefits of a reduction in the landfilling of MSW include: reduced air pollution from long-haul trucking and landfill gas emissions, decreased demand for land, and less potential for groundwater contamination.

Project results

Environmental outcomes

  • Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
  • Improved groundwater quality
  • Improved waste management

Social outcomes

  • Protection/improvement of public human health
  • Improved service delivery and/or level or service
  • Improved availability and accessibility of information
  • Greater civic pride and ownership
  • Improved public education or awareness
  • Improved public space
  • Increased civic engagement in community issues

Economic outcomes

  • Increased job creation or retention
  • Increased business attraction

Lessons learned

  • Resources

Applicant

Town of Banff, AB