Halifax Waterfront Site of Pilot Recycling Program

A new green initiative was launched today, Sept. 9, at Nova Scotia's most visited destination –- the Halifax waterfront.

Waterfront Development Corporation, Nestlé Waters Canada, and RRFB Nova Scotia announced the Halifax waterfront public spaces recycling program which is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. The initiative involves a usage study and incorporates new technology.

Public spaces recycling captures the last mile of recyclables -- items normally collected through Nova Scotia's deposit-refund and curbside recycling programs but left by consumers in areas such as parks, streetscapes, and other public spaces.

Four stream receptacles, manufactured by Big Belly Solar, are located along the Halifax Harbourwalk, from the ferry terminal to Tall Ships Quay. The eco-friendly receptacles feature a solar powered waste compacter that reduces collection frequency by up to 80 per cent, saving time, money and reducing pick-up emissions.

"The Halifax waterfront is an ideal location to launch our new clean, green initiative. The program will enhance visitor experiences by making recycling and waste management more convenient," said Colin MacLean, president and CEO, Waterfront Development Corporation. "This partnership will set a strong example for waterfronts and communities nation wide."

The program targets waste, recyclables, paper and organics. Considered one of the greenest initiatives in Canada, it complements aggressive Halifax Regional Municipality by-laws and reinforces Nova Scotia's reputation as a leader in recycling.

"Nova Scotia has long been recognized as a leader in waste diversion," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment. "Effective source separation programs such as this will help us achieve our goal of having one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments by 2020, making life better for Nova Scotia families."

The partners will fund the cost of the new bin systems that were set up in August through StewardEdge, a leading national recycling consultant. The three month study phase aims to change behavior in the most challenging realm for waste separation compliance -- public spaces. It also includes bin signage and public education. Waste audits will be conducted to measure the effectiveness with results of the pilot project being forwarded to the Nova Scotia Environment Department.

The Canadian beverage industry and Quebec launched the program in 2008. This particular public spaces recycling methodology is achieving recovery rates as high as 97 per cent for items such as glass, aluminum, plastic and paper.

"It is our objective to collect 100 per cent of the plastic beverage containers we produce," said John Zupo, president, Nestlé Waters Canada. "If the results we've seen in Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba are any indication, the introduction of this kind of public spaces recycling in Nova Scotia will go a long distance towards helping us to achieve that goal."

Other Waterfront Development Corporation-lead green initiatives include a CarShare Halifax partnership reducing the number of vehicles on the road; additional waterfront bike racks; sponsorship of FRED the Bus (Free Rides Everywhere Downtown), and active, healthy living options through Bedford, Dartmouth and Halifax Harbourwalks.

For more information on the partners and program visit www.my-waterfront.ca.