The Town of Okotoks Promotes Environmental Stewardship Through Waste Management
The Town of Okotoks has always had an eye on sustainability and green living, and the recent introduction of the 2016 Waste Services Implementation Plan is a perfect example of this commitment to the environment.
This plan focuses on improving the way that the town handles solid waste in a number of ways, each of which is designed to improve the environment and help keep our carbon footprint low.
Some of the points of the Waste Services Implementation Plan are:
- Further evolution of the recycling center, improving the number of items that it can accept,
- Setting up a residential blue cart recycling program and a green cart organic waste program,
- Requirements for on-site recycling collection for premises that can house multiple families,
- Changes to the utility bill that bring waste services into one single rate, and
- A Pay as You Throw garbage collection program that requires a fee for each non-recyclable bag of garbage.
Among these, the focus is currently on organic waste collection and recycling. Around 50% of the town’s garbage is organic waste that could be compacted, and the community hopes to increase the amount of solid organic waste that is placed into composting programs in the future.
Currently, a utility bill breaks down garbage collection in several different areas. But starting in the fall of 2016, one single rate will be included on the bill instead. This helps simplify budgeting, and ensures that everyone is treated fairly. That fee is estimated to be $25.54 per month and includes garbage, environmental service fees, organic waste, and recycling.
All in all, reducing our impact on the environment is an absolute must and this new plan aims to improve the way that Okotoks residents are able to help contribute to a better future. It’s one more way that the community stands out as being mindful of our world and our impact in it.
Living in a community that strives to be sustainable is truly something. Join the Ranchers’ Rise community and be part of a community that cares for the environment! Visit our showhomes today for more information.