MCRs Share Their Stories - 2016

MCRs share all kinds of awesome details about their volunteering when they record hours or provide feedback. Here are some quotes from MCRs in 2016 reaching their friends, neighbours and colleagues:

• "I spoke to my landlord [and] she was hesitant, but also let me go ahead and grasscycle. I spoke to her about the benefits of it." - Zoila G.
• “This was a good venue to be at. The people [we] talked with were quite open to hearing about what we were there for and it wasn’t very difficult to figure out what topic(s) they needed they needed information on.” - Joanne M.
• "Helped set a friend up with a new backyard composter, introduced them to vermicomposting. Hopefully will set them up with a worm bin soon." - Natasha C.

• “Had dinner with a coworker and her boyfriend and we talked about backyard composting (mainly) and about different myths and truths behind it.” - Amanda R.
• "Talked with a neighbour in my crescent about needing leaves for my compost. Later that week he dropped off three bags of dry leaves!" - Angela F.
• "Explained about having worms living in my closet and what they will be doing for me and my plants in the future." - Carolyn H.
• "I presented to three kindergarten classes with my worm bin. The kids were very attentive and asked many questions." - Barb N.
• "Did a presentation at the staff meeting at the school that I work at about good practices in recycling and ways to reduce waste within the school building." - Reinette E.
• "We had my 7 year old son's birthday party at the Reuse Centre and were able to introduce that facility to several of our family and friends at that celebration. Many plan to come back to craft and shop there in the future." - Tammy F.
• “Helped build a plan for an acquaintance moving to a new country so that she wouldn’t have to throw anything into the garbage unnecessarily.” - Leah A.
• "Chatted with a lady at Costco who was looking at their double-tumbler composter and discussed the pros and cons of different types." - Rob B.
• "Demonstrated the use of kitchen waste to set up a worm compost." - Andrew W.
• “I am training bit-by-bit the MSW subcommittee at work to help steer the committee away from mis-informing the business regarding recycling.” - Kenneth R.
• “I did an environmental moment at all 9 of my safety meetings about how our company uses City of Edmonton services to pick up our waste and how it gets processed.” - Lee W.

There were far too many great stories to display all of them in one post. Check back next week for more!

Looking Ahead to 2017!

2016 was a great year for our team at the City. The dedication and enthusiasm of MCRs played an important role in this success. We're excited for things to come in 2017!

• Public consultation for the Waste Strategic Plan will take place in the spring.
• This will include possible automated collection and/or separate collection of compostables.
• Construction continues on the Anaerobic Digestion Facility (completion by end of year).
• The Waste-to-Biofuels Facility continues commissioning.
• Edmonton has teamed up with the National Zero Waste Council. We will research and begin developing programming about reducing residential food waste.

For the MCR Program in 2017

• Introducing a Waste Video of the Week, every Wednesday
• New volunteer roles at Compost ‘S cool
• Sharing the online version of MCR Training with all existing MCRs
• Hosting “Refresher Training sessions” every three months.
• Receiving new toys at Compost ‘S cool

Edmonton’s waste services has many impressive employees. From engineers at the EWMC, operators at the plants, collectors on trucks, attendants at Eco Stations, presenters in schools, to canvassers at doorsteps. The men and women who keep the system running are smart, passionate, and innovative folks.

But Sarah and Rodney are lucky because we get to see the amazing things that volunteers do for Edmonton’s waste system. MCRs are universally smart, passionate, and innovative.

From Rodney

I am still learning to be a dad, but I deeply appreciate that “it takes a village to raise a child.” One of the many gifts that my son and daughter have already received in life is the gift of community and volunteerism here in Edmonton.

I am ever grateful to MCRs (people like you) for what you do to reduce waste and help Edmonton’s waste system. You give your skills, your time, your passion, and your creativity by speaking up and by telling friends and family that waste matters.

At a personal level, I am sincerely grateful to MCRs (and you) for making Edmonton a better place for my children, and for future generations. Thank you.
“A some point, everything will be discarded, and yet none of it is garbage.”

From Sarah

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again -- I really do consider myself lucky to work with such an amazing, passionate group of volunteers. Master Composter Recyclers are giving, thoughtful Edmontonians who truly want a better, greener future for our city and our planet.

Part of my job is to teach MCRs about Edmonton’s waste system, but I have learned so much from my fellow MCRs. This community has been invaluable in helping me to shift my behaviours, thoughts, and actions to sustainable alternatives. We challenge and inspire each other to be better every day.

Thank you for a great year, and here’s to less waste in 2017!

Holiday Waste: What Goes Where?

As you clean up from your holiday celebrations, it's important to do the right thing with your waste. Use these tips to sort your holiday waste, or check out our sorting app, WasteWise.

What can I reuse?
Consider donating unwanted items to a local thrift shop, charity or to the Reuse Centre.

Decorations Wrapping paper and bows Gift bags and boxes

Packing peanuts Bubble wrap Tissue paper

What goes in my household recycling?
Keep your recycling clean, loose, and dry for your blue bag or your apartment blue bin. Residents can also bring items to one of Edmonton's 20 community recycling depots.

• Paper - wrapping paper (non-metallic), holiday cards, envelopes
• Cardboard - shipping boxes, cardboard packaging, gift boxes
• Plastic - shopping bags, pop bottles, containers (e.g. yogurt tubs, clamshell packages)
• Metal - pop cans, aluminum pie plates, tin cans
• Glass - beverage bottles, food jars

What about Eco Stations?
Some unwanted items contain hazardous materials or are difficult to recycle. Bring them to an Eco Station for free and safe disposal:

Strings of lights Small appliances Obsolete electronics

Old batteries Household chemicals

Never put Eco Station items in your blue bag or garbage. Also take large items like furniture and major appliances to an Eco Station for proper disposal (fees apply).

What goes in the garbage?
Not everything can be recycled. Some holiday waste should go in the garbage.

Food waste Styrofoam packaging Soiled napkins and paper plates

Candy wrappers Metallic gift wrap Plastic cutlery

Check out more tips and tricks at edmonton.ca/wastelessholidays.

Download WasteWise for free on iTunes or Google Play, or use it online at edmonton.ca/waste