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Letter right in criticism of recycling plan

Dear Editor I would like to support the excellent letters of Chris Mills on Dec. 9, 2015 and July 20, 2016 on the issue of compulsory carts for recycling and composting for residential users only. As Mr.

Dear Editor

I would like to support the excellent letters of Chris Mills on Dec. 9, 2015 and July 20, 2016 on the issue of compulsory carts for recycling and composting for residential users only.

As Mr. Mills points out, many of us presently utilize the recycling depot and the grass/leaves dumping area, thereby reducing our waste production significantly. Others go further by composting their own organics. And yet the Town feels compelled to force residents into a compulsory “universal” cart program.

To say “universal” is incorrect, because multi-family developments, commercial and industrial facilities are not yet required to participate, or pay, for this initiative. The Town’s 2020 Waste Management Plan identifies that 26 per cent of the community wide solid waste stream comes from single-family and multi-family developments, with 29 per cent coming from commercial and industrial, and 45 per cent coming from construction and demolition. It would only be “universal” if it applied to all users.

So, town council, where is the fairness in this process?

In a Nov. 16, 2015 news release, the Town indicates the potential for refunds for the weeks that their garbage is not collected. This would partially offset the increased costs suggested by the compulsory cart program, but would be even more effective if that same rationale could be applied to the blue recycling bins and to the green organic bins.

Councillor Carrie Fischer indicates that the program is not the positive solution it seems. I agree. This program may make Okotoks appear to have higher environmental standards when compared to other communities, but totally ignores the financial and social impacts on its residents. I say social, because many families and seniors view a trip to the recycling depot as an outing and a chance to meet and chat with others, as well as learning more about recycling and its benefits.

Council, it is time to back away from this authoritative management style, and start looking at affordable solutions that improve the environment and induce more people to reduce waste and to recycle.

Allen Jenkins

Okotoks, AB




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