NEWS HIGHLIGHT
National Plastics Recycling Week a success
Canadian gardeners cleaned out their garden sheds, and independent garden centres swept out the corners of their greenhouses, during the National Plastics Recycling Event from June 25 to July 4.
July 26, 2011 – Canadian gardeners cleaned out their garden sheds, and
independent garden centres swept out the corners of their greenhouses,
during the National Plastics Recycling Event from June 25 to July 4. In just ten days, they diverted almost 76,000 pounds of plastic from landfills coast-to-coast, 40 per cent more than last year, and enough volume to pack about five 53-foot semi trucks to the brim.
The response, say organizers, was very positive. Gardeners appreciated having convenient places to deposit their used pots, and neighbourhood garden centres truly wanted to work toward a solution. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) received calls from municipalities that are looking to expand their blue-bin programs, and recycling companies cooperated to extend the range of services they normally provide.
“We were very pleased with the support we received through CleanFARMS,” said CNLA’s Environment Chair, Bill Hardy. “That organization, which stewards agricultural waste, took a leading role in assisting garden retailers, and we look forward to working with CleanFARMS again.” CNLA also expressed appreciation for the work of West Coast Plastics, BFI Canada (Parksville), Plastix Canada, and Myers Lawn & Garden Group—each of which managed transportation and recycling of the collected garden plastics in their respective regions.
Now that the event has ended, what are gardeners to do? First, check the recycling symbol present on most garden pots and trays and contact your municipality or regional district; if the pots are rinsed clean, many types can be returned. Second, check with your local garden centre; some stores offer year-round collection, while others have the most current recycling options for your community.
The National Plastics Recycling Event is scheduled to return in 2012 from Friday, June 22 through Sunday, July 1. Recyclers who can offer free pick-ups of unsorted garden and agricultural plastics, and garden retailers who wish to participate, are asked to contact the CNLA.
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