Residents divert a small mountain of organic yard waste from
landfill

(Fort McMurray, AB – Nov. 19, 2009) – In its first year, the Wood Buffalo garden waste pickup program diverted about 35 tonnes of grass clippings, garden waste and small twigs from the Landfill.

“Material from our lawns and gardens that ends up in the Landfill poses a double challenge for the Municipality. First, grass clippings and garden waste make up a significant portion of the material in the Landfill, taking up space and therefore costing us money. Second, all this material is compostable. It can – and should – be put to use,” said Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake.

All the collected garden waste, including the compostable and biodegradable garden bags, is being composted in the Municipality’s composter on the Landfill site. Next year, the rich compost will be used in municipal parks and other public areas.

“The curbside garden waste program is easy and convenient. It encourages homeowners to take another important step in diverting reusable material away from the Landfill,” said Tracey Wolsey, Suncor Energy’s director of communications and stakeholder relations.

RONA and the Fort McMurray 4-H Club participated in the 2009 program. The two community supporters helped promote the new program.

As well, RONA donated a portion of the sale proceeds from the garden bags to the 4-H Club. RONA store manager Ghazwan Wanous today presented a cheque for $630 to the
4-H Club. Wanous said Fort McMurray’s RONA achieved the third highest sales in Canada of the 100 per cent compostable and biodegradable bags.

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