Public space recycling program proves good habits in Canadian township

BlueTriton Brands Canada contributed $50,000 to a pilot public spaces recycling program where dual-stream recycling bins were placed in various community locations in Puslinch, a township in south-central Ontario, Canada.

25 dual-stream public space bins, five indoor dual-stream bins, and 30 general use recycling bins were split among three locations: Badenoch Soccer Field, Morriston Meadow Park, and Puslinch Community Centre.

After sorting through waste and recyclable compartments, a comprehensive waste audit showed the locations had recovery rates of over 87% for beverage containers, which is above average for public space areas in Canada.

Locations Beverage Containers (%)

Puslinch Community Centre 87.3%

Morriston Meadows Park 97.5%

Badenoch Soccer Field 93.7%

The contamination rates for these areas were below 30% which is low compared to the average contamination rates for public space audits. A top contaminant in the recycling stream were coffee cups which are not recyclable.

The dual-stream bins have a lifespan of up to 20 years.

“The pilot program allows municipalities the opportunity to fill a gap in the collection system for PET and aluminum beverage containers and proves to give empty beverage containers a life beyond the landfill, while contributing to a cleaner environment,” said Jennifer Kerr, Director, Corporate Affairs in Canada. “The results of the pilot program show that bins are proving to increase recycling rates and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this successful program.”

The education campaign, which accompanied the bins, show photos of items that are recyclable including plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Items that should be placed in the waste compartment include coffee cups, food waste, and soiled food containers.

Puslinch Council voted unanimously to begin the public-space recycling program in the three community locations in 2020.