Top Recycling Community in Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie, AB – Which area of Grande Prairie has the best blue baggers? During October, which included Waste Reduction Week, Aquatera had a friendly neighbourhood competition in Grande Prairie to determine which area recycled the most per household. Aquatera’s 2011 Recycling Neighbourhood of the Year was the Monday collection day.

Communities in the winning area include Northridge, Royal Oaks, Crystal Ridge, Crystal Lake Estates, Copperwood, Kingsgate, and Lakeland. The area recycled an average of 5.7 kilograms per household for a total of 17.5 tonnes.

For the month of October every kilogram of recycling placed at the curb in Grande Prairie was measured and calculated based on the number of households in the area. While it came down to the wire with Friday’s collection day coming in a close second at 5.6 kilograms per household, the other areas of the city were not as close, averaging as much as 40 per cent less than the winning neighbourhood.

The title of 2011 Recycling Neighbourhood of the Year carries obvious bragging rights, and Aquatera will host a community event this spring for those who have Monday as their collection day.

While the curbside competition was for fun, it does carry a serious message. Aquatera encourages all customers in Grande Prairie to reduce their garbage by recycling everyday items such as paper, cardboard, metal cans, and hard plastics numbers one through seven into their blue bags.

Ranking of the five collection days, including neighbourhoods:

1.  Monday – 5.7 kg/household - Northridge, Royal Oaks, Crystal Ridge, Crystal Lake Estates, Copperwood, Kingsgate, and Lakeland
2.  Friday - 5.6 kg/household - Mission Heights, Westpointe, Pinnacle Ridge, and O'Brien Lake
3.  Wednesday - 4.3 kg/household - Patterson, South Patterson, Country Club West, Country Club Estates, Countryside North, Signature Falls, Countryside South, and Summerside
4. Thursday - 4.0 kg/household - Avondale, College Park, Downtown, Swanavon, Highland Park, Smith, Cobblestone, and Riverstone
5. Tuesday - 3.4 kg/household - Montrose, Hillside, Mountview, Crystal Heights, Ivy Lake Estates, Crystal Landing, and Woodgrove

Quotes:

• “Congratulations to everyone who recycles every Monday! You are making a true impact on turning your waste into something new, not just landfill.”
• “We will be doing this competition annually, and anticipate adding a second measurement to look at your garbage versus recycling weights.”

Amy Horne, Recycling Manager

Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aquateradotca
Twitter: www.twitter.com/aquateradotca
Web: www.aquatera.ca

Aquatera Utilities Inc. is the regional provider of water, wastewater, and solid waste services, and is a model of regional cooperation. Shareholders are the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie and the Town of Sexsmith. Since 2003, Aquatera Utilities Inc. returned $26 million to the City, County and Town through cash dividends and franchise fees.

Media contact:
Tim Conrad
Communications Manager
Tel: 780.513.5220
tconrad@aquatera.ca