Halton Region hosted Waste Reduction Week Celebration

On October 23, 2008, Halton Region hosted a Waste Reduction Week event to celebrate the success of the new waste management programs, including the GreenCart and Blue Box, and acknowledge residents’ overwhelming participation in the programs.

“Halton Region is proud to announce that our residents are making great efforts to protect and preserve our environment and divert waste away from the landfill,” said Halton’s Regional Chair, Gary Carr. “Approximately 75 per cent of all residents are now using their GreenCart and 90 per cent are using their Blue Box on average per week – a true testament to our residents’ commitment to the environment.”

In September, the Region launched a “Name the Frogs” contest for children aged 12 years and under. The contest was designed for children to name both the Blue Box and GreenCart frog mascots which have appeared on all communication material related to the new Waste Management Programs. At the Waste Reduction Week event, Halton’s Regional Chair Gary Carr announced the winning entries from over 150 submissions received.

Winners of Halton Region’s “Name the Frogs” contest are from left to right:

• Taylor Moffat (age 12) of Burlington
• Julian Walker (age 7) of Oakville
• Sophie Schneider (age 10) of Oakville
• Halton Regional Chair, Gary Carr

The name selected for the Blue Box frog was Kerby which was provided by both Taylor Moffat from Burlington and Julian Walker from Oakville. The name was submitted to remind residents to recycle more and remember to take the Blue Box out to the curb. The winning name for the GreenCart frog submitted by Sophie Schneider of Oakville was Sprout. The name was submitted to remind residents to use their GreenCarts to recycle organic material, have it turned into compost and then be used to grow or sprout new plants. Taylor, Julian and Sophie all received prize packages and had their pictures taken at the event in recognition of their winning entries.

Members of Local and Regional Council, Marolyn Morison Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) board member and Mayor of the Town of Caledon, MP-elect Lisa Raitt, industry representatives, project consultants, a choir from Munn’s Public school, several local families and Regional staff were present at the event to help celebrate the success of the Waste Management programs including the GreenCart which was made possible through $3,419,000 in funding through the federal Gas Tax Fund.

“The federal Gas Tax Fund recognizes that all three orders of government must work together to address the pressing need for infrastructure investment in Ontario,” said Peter Hume, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). “Federal infrastructure funding is critical to the competitiveness, environmental sustainability and the future prosperity of Ontario’s communities.”

The event was held during Canada’s 8th annual Waste Reduction Week which is developed and run by a coalition of waste reduction and conservation organizations from across the country. Waste Reduction Week urges everyone to do their part by reducing, reusing and recycling in every aspect of their lives – at home, school and work.

“Halton Region’s 2006-2010 Solid Waste Management Strategy identifies a goal of diverting 60 per cent of waste away from the landfill,” said Mitch Zamojc, Halton Region’s Commissioner of Public Works and Engineering Services. “With the success of the new Waste Management Programs we are on track to meet that goal and are looking forward to surpass it with additional initiatives.”

For more information in the Waste Reduction Week event or the new Waste Management Programs contact Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866, TTY 905-827-9833 or visit www.halton.ca.

Support Our Sponsors