Wednesday, May 23, 2012
History
Since 1992, the City of Airdrie has been a leader in the area of waste management. Airdrie was the first Alberta community to implement a user-pay garbage system and has since continually developed new programs and alternatives for the residents of Airdrie. Several events took place leading up to the implementation of the user-pay system including concern for the environment and increase cost for garbage collection.
A summary of Waste & Recycling Services Department highlights include:
| 2011 | • Waste & Recycling Services purchases the Bulb Eater, a machine which processes the components of florescent tubes and compact florescent bulbs. This machine is an important addition to the recycling program as it saves on shipping whole tubes elsewhere for disposal and it allows the mercury to be recycled in a safe manner. |
| 2010 | • West Side Recycling Facility opens in Home Depot parking lot |
| 2009 | • Airdrie Wins One Million Acts of Green Challenge with City of Okotoks |
| 2008 | • The Airdrie Recycling Depot begins accepting trees for chipping from December 27, 2008, to January 18, 2009 as an opportunity for residents to reduce their carbon footprint. |
| 2007 | • Plastics Recycling Program approved as permanent program |
| 2006 | • Expansion of acceptable recyclable materials to include Selected Plastics |
| 2005 | • Pilot Toilet Rebate Program to replace 300 water guzzling toilets with water efficient toilets • Expansion of acceptable recyclable materials to include Electronic Waste |
| 2004 | • Expansion of acceptable recyclable materials to include Milk Cartons |
| 2003 | • New cardboard building constructed and increased baling efficiency with new horizontal baler • Discussions regarding regional recycling opportunities |
| 2002 | • Airdrie Environmental Education Centre opened |
| 1999 | • Used oil, filter and container Eco-centre constructed |
| 1998 | • Introduction of community composting program • Garbage limit lowered to two units per week • Expansion of recycling depot hours • Over the limit garbage tags decreased to $1 per tag |
| 1992 | • Extensive recycling material drop of depot opened • Implementation of first Alberta user-pay garbage collection system • Garbage collection cost was taken out of the general tax base and made into a separate utility bill • Garbage bag limits introduced • Over the limit garbage tags introduced for $2 per tag |
| 1991 | • Airdrie Recycling Committee, since renamed the Airdrie Environmental Advisory Board, was formed |