Record amount of recycling shows residents support 3-bag garbage system

An organization that collects garbage in the southeastern part of the province, is calling 2017 a record year for the area. 

This year Gena Alderson, waste diversion coordinator with Southeast Eco360, said more garbage has been recycled in six months, than was saved from the landfill in all of 2016.

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"We are recovering 35 per cent more from each blue bag that comes in," she said. "Effort is certainly making a difference."

Southeast Eco360 is the solid waste corporation responsible for helping communities in Westmorland and Albert County to manage waste and recyclables.

The commission, formerly known as Westmorland Albert Solid Waste Corporation, brought in a blue and green bag system before the turn of the century. But a survey in 2013 showed that at least half of people in Moncton weren't properly throwing away their garbage.

To help clear up the confusion, another bag was brought into the mix in October of 2016: a clear garbage bag for items going straight to the landfill.

It seems the three bag system is striking a chord. Alderson said last month was the first time in the commission's history that incoming compost was free of glass particles.

Coun. Blair Lawrence heard the news at Monday night's city council meeting in Moncton.

"I'm gobsmacked by the results that you are recounting," said Lawrence.

Though Lawrence expressed dismay that clear glass cannot be recycled through the current system.

Bringing in a new system

While Alderson agreed glass that is put in the clear bag, where it belongs, is taken to the landfill, the commission is now collecting clear glass containers through a new program.

"We have just found a market for clear container glass, which is your glass beverage bottles, but it's also pickle jars and mason jars and things like that but they have to be intact," she said. "Which is the reason we're going to be collecting them at the eco-depot."

A new mobile eco-depot system will replace the previous hazard waste pick up.

The free pick service is open to all residents of Westmorland and Albert counties and will operate year-round.  

The commission broke its service area up into five regions, where once a month the mobile unit will visit each area for up to two days. For instance, Region A consists of Port Elgin, Beaubassin-est, Cap Pelé and Shediac. Once a month the mobile unit will visit one of these communities on a rotating basis.

Items that will be accepted at the mobile unit are clear glass, appliances, electronic waste, furniture, including mattresses. The unit will also accept construction, demolition and renovation waste. Household hazardous waste, tires, brush, branches and yard waste and ashes will also be accepted.

Each person can bring up to a half-ton of waste or one utility trailer load to any depot, Alderson said it does not have to be their home region.

Jack MacDonald, general manager of engineering and environmental services with the city, said Moncton's drop off spot will be at the coliseum.

"We're expecting longer lines because you'll be able to put in more," he said.

Alderson said the hope is the new depot program will have an effect on more than the dump.

"If we have a free program that's easily accessible for people, they'll be less likely to dump it out in the woods somewhere."

The mobile eco-depot is expected to start making its rounds during the last week of August.