Three-stream waste collection is set to start in September

King Township, along with Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Newmarket and Whitchurch-Stouffville - the northern six (N6) municipalities of York Region - have joined forces to roll-out the most significant waste diversion program since the introduction of the blue box in the 1980s.

Starting in September, the new three-stream waste collection program will commence in N6 with the introduction of the Green Bin. The ultimate goal is to collaboratively divert at least 65 per cent of waste from being dumped in landfill sites.

"The N6 have done something extraordinary by taking a collaborative approach to three-stream waste collection," commented Wayne Andrews, manager of operations and fleet for the Town of East-Gwillimbury and chair of the Engineers' Working Group responsible for the project's implementation. "We're not only saving approximately $11 million over the next 10 years, but we're also benefiting from the unique strengths of the other municipalities in the process."

From tendering for a joint waste collection contract last year, to meeting regularly with members from all six municipalities and developing the same public education materials for each, the collaborative approach has worked extremely well, commented Jim Koutroubis, director of public works and environmental services for the Town of Newmarket and vice-chair of the Engineers' Working Group.

"It's our hope that the N6's success with this program demonstrates the value in partnering with municipal neighbours and inspires other municipalities to follow our lead," he added.

Regular updates on the Green Bin program will be provided throughout the upcoming months. This will include information on enhanced waste management service levels, Green Bin dos and don'ts, the campaign theme and strategy, and the environmental benefit of implementing the program.

Residents can find out more about the Green Bin program by visiting their municipality's Web site, attending an upcoming information open house, or by calling the newly establishing Green Bin hotline at 1-877-456-0373.