If someone wants to enjoy nature in Yorkton, take time to go jogging, or possibly try their hand at some fishing, a good place to go is Logan Green. While there, they might have some waste, whether it’s the wrapper from a recently finished snack or a drink bottle they emptied while running the trails. Now, thanks to bins installed at the site, they have a handy place to discard that waste.
Thanks to the SARCAN Public Space Recycling Grant, the city was able to install the bins at the site. The grant started in 2017 as a way to encourage municipalities, First Nations and Metis Settlements, parks, schools, and registered nonprofit community groups to install beverage container recycling bins and improve access for people to recycle on the go. In 2018, the total amount of the grant was $12,000 – up from $10,000 in 2017 – and in addition to Yorkton, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina have also taken advantage of the program.
Ray Sass with SARCAN said Logan Green was the ideal place for the bins because it ensures that people don’t pollute in a green space.
The bins were installed in Logan Green for a couple of reasons explains JeanAnne Teliske with Environmental Services at the City of Yorkton. One, the trails are very well used, so there was a need for convenient places for people to discard waste. The other reason was that the bins are easy to maintain by the city. Due to the close proximity to the water treatment plant, maintenance crews can empty the bins regularly.
Speaking of recycling, the curbside recycling survey has been completed, with 1,400 responses being compiled. Teliske said they’re happy with the large amount of interest in the survey and they are now compiling the results and taking recommendations to environmental services.
The installation of the bins was also a way to highlight the upcoming Waste Reduction Week in Yorkton. The week, from Oct. 15-21, will see a Household Hazardous Waste workshop on Oct. 20 at the Public Works shop. There will be school and business tours at the Sanitary Landfill and RecyclAbility Centre, which must be booked with Environmental Services by calling (306)786-1775.Â
