Your guide to waste services from Strathcona County

Your guide to waste services from Strathcona County By each of us making a small change, together we can make a big difference. Black waste cart serial #: Green organics serial #: The serial number is located by the bar code on the front of the cart 1

With your participation in reducing, resusing, recycling and composting, we are sending less and less materials to the landfill each year. Your efforts, now, will help make sure we have a healthy community for future generations to come. It s time to get with the Green Routine! contents Make a difference... 3 The Green Routine at a glance.... 4 Collection day reminders... 5 Your carts... 6 Cart care... 7 Damaged, lost or stolen carts.... 7 Placement of your cart.... 8 Putting your cart out during street maintenance... 9 Organics for collection... 10 Tips for organic collection... 11 Backyard composting, yard waste... 13 Waste for collection.... 14 Recyclables for collection... 15 Recycle stations... 16 Hazardous waste... 17 Recycle your shoes.... 18 How to tell what goes where.... 19 2

The green routine: make a difference Only 17% of our waste needs to go to landfill. The rest can be recycled or composted. actual waste 17% recyclables 26% organics 57% In 2017, this is where we actually sent our materials. Waste services from Strathcona County includes a curbside recycling program, organics and waste collection with roll-out collection carts. In order for the system to work, we need your cooperation. Each household is asked to sort materials for recycling and collect organics for composting. 40% sent for composting 39% sent for recycling 21% We look forward to your participation in the Green Routine. We re here to help! Contact us if: you have questions about the services your cart needs repairs, is lost or stolen you need an extra cart you need to set up an account with Strathcona County 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca 3

The green routine: It s as easy as 1-2-3! step 1: Step 2: Sort it out Put it out What it looks like What to put in it How Much you can put out for collection How often you can put these out Green cart A small covered pail (kitchen catcher) is also supplied to collect organics in the kitchen. Organics Kitchen scraps, loose grass clippings Complete list on page 10, or check out the Waste Wizard on the website or mobile app Remember NO plastic or biodegradable bags All organics must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Materials left outside the cart will not be collected. Cart and contents must weigh less than 200 lbs. Every other week (alternates with waste) Every week from mid-may to mid-october in the hamlets of Sherwood Park, Antler Lake, Ardrossan, Collingwood Cove, Half Moon Lake, Hastings Lake, Josephburg and North and South Cooking Lake. Black cart Waste Anything that cannot be composted or recycled Complete list on page 14, or check out the Waste Wizard on the website or mobile app All waste must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Materials left outside the cart will not be collected. Cart and contents must weigh less than 200 lbs. Every other week (alternates with organics) Clear blue plastic bag Recycling Aluminum cans and containers (clean and in original shape); Hard plastic bottles and containers (clean, no lids or caps); newspaper, mixed paper; cardboard, flattened (max. size 2 x3 ) Unlimited quantity. Items must be rinsed, dry, weigh less than 50 lb and placed in clear blue plastic bags. Every week Complete list on page 15, or check out the Waste Wizard on the website or mobile app 4 Questions? 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca

Step 3: Know your collection Day Weekly collection is picked up on a fixed day. If your collection day is Monday, it will always be Monday, even on statutory holidays. Please note: December 25 and January 1 are the only days where there will be no waste collection. See your waste collection calendar for more details. Getting ready for the Green Routine Check your Collection Calendar or visit the website for your collection day. This is your FIXED DAY from now on. Check your Collection Calendar to see which week to put out your green cart with organics or your black cart with waste. Recyclables are picked up every week. Friendly reminders for Collection Day Have all materials out by 7:30 a.m. Materials are collected between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Leave a full metre of clearance on all sides around and above each cart. Cart lids must be completely closed or they will not be picked up. Recycling may be picked up at a different time than waste or organics. If you live in rural Strathcona County, make sure your house number is clearly visible from the road. Additional services Strathcona County offers for customers (see your Collection Calendar for dates) Christmas tree collection Large Item pickup, spring and fall two large items only, not reusable Yard waste pickup, spring and fall extra yard waste must go in clear bags Never miss garbage day again! Sign up to get reminders about your collection schedule, information about waste collection and service disruptions. You can receive reminders any or all of the following ways: Email Text Phone call Android or iphone app tweet ical Sign up at www.strathcona.ca/wastereminder 5

Your carts and how to use them Green cart for organics Black cart for waste Kitchen catcher for collecting organics in your kitchen empty the catcher into the green cart as needed. Cart serial number The waste system depends on having materials correctly sorted. If any materials other than organics are put in your green cart, or if food scraps are in with your recyclables, your containers will not be collected. A sticker will be left explaining why the materials were not collected. You will be responsible for repackaging the materials for collection. Carts allow automated collection Strathcona County contracts a company to collect residential waste. The contractor uses special trucks equipped with a mechanism that lifts the cart and dumps the contents into the truck and returns it safely to the ground. An automated system provides a more reliable service and is safer for the waste collection operators. Rural collection For rural collections, the contractor utilizes a split truck that collects both materials, yet keeps them separated for proper processing. 6 Questions? 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca

Cart care Storing and cleaning your carts Carts must be stored on your property adjacent to a permanent structure in your garage, by your house or shed. Keep them in a shaded, cool spot. Carts cannot be stored at the end of your driveway or middle of the yard. Clean the carts the same way you would clean a garbage can rinse them periodically to wash off any debris. Empty all the water from the cart and allow it to dry completely. Damaged, lost or stolen carts Lids should open and close easily. Strathcona County will repair or replace any cart that breaks or cracks through normal use. If your cart is damaged or needs repairs, call 780-449-5514. Carts must not be altered or painted. Carts that are damaged by improper use or abuse will be subject to a replacement and service fee. Each cart has a serial number corresponding with the property. This helps identify your cart and helps locate and return lost carts. Write down your carts serial numbers on the front of this booklet for reference. Strathcona County owns the carts and kitchen catcher and must remain with the property if you move. Rural customers must call to cancel collection services when moving. Identifying your carts To help you and your neighbours identify carts, you may want to label your carts using luggage tags. Put your address on the luggage tag and attach it to the cart. Please do not permanently alter or tag your cart. 7

Putting your cart out for collection 1. Place the cart out at the edge of your driveway and the road. Ensure that the cart is stable on a flat area and the wheels are closest to the ditch or your driveway. 2. Arrows on the cart s lid indicate what side of the cart must face the road. If you live in a cul-de-sac Do not park in the cul-de-sac on collection day. The collection trucks have a difficult time manoevering in the neighbourhood and cannot access the Carefully place your roll-out cart: leave at least one metre (three feet) of space between your cart, recycling bags, fences, mailboxes, parked cars or any other objects 1m (3 ft.) Do not place cart underneath low, overhanging tree limbs or utility lines. 1m (3 ft.) 1m (3 ft.) Front of cart must face the street roll-out cart when vehicles are parked perpendicular on the road. Weekly organics collection*: There must be a one-metre clearance between the organics and waste carts and all other objects *See page 4 for areas that receive weekly collection during the summer 8 Questions? 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca

Putting your cart out during street maintenance When winter street snow clearing or spring street sweeping is occurring in your neighbourhood, you need to change where you place your cart on collection day. Please place your organics or waste cart at the end of your driveway. During snow clearing and street sweeping, carts cannot be on the road, sidewalk or in the gutter because vehicles cannot manoeuvre around them. On all other collection days, it s back to normal. See page 8 for proper placement. Place carts on driveways only during snow clearing or!street sweeping If you have a boulevard and sidewalk 1. Place the cart out at the end of your driveway in between the sidewalk and the road. 2. Make sure your cart and recycling is not blocking the sidewalk. If you have a sidewalk 1. Place the cart out at the end of your driveway directly behind the sidewalk. Don t have the cart too far up your driveway, otherwise the automatic arm may not reach it and the cart will not be emptied. 2. Make sure your cart and recycling is not blocking the sidewalk. 9

The green cart for organics The green cart is used to collect organic materials. The organics cart is not a composter. See page 11 for tips on using your organics cart. The commercial organics processing facility that takes our materials can handle many organic items that are not suitable for backyard composters. Organics for collection (for a complete list, check out the Waste Wizard on the website or download the Android or iphone app) all food waste flour, grains, dough plant materials bones, bread, baked goods freezer paper popcorn and popcorn bags cardboard, soiled fruit and peelings popsicle sticks Please NO plastics in Green Cart cat litter, not bagged or in compostable bag cereal cheeses coffee filters, grounds dairy products dryer lint eggs and eggshells facial tissue feathers fish and fish remains floor sweepings grass clippings hair leaves meat products, bones oily, fatty foods paper napkins, towels, plates and cups paper products, soiled pasta pet waste, in compostable bags or not bagged pizza and soiled pizza boxes rice sauces and spreads sawdust and wood chips in compostable bag shredded paper, in compostable bag tea bags tissue, soiled toothpicks vegetables and peelings wax paper, soiled wine corks, wood Please note If you have questions about what items are acceptable, call or visit the website. All organics must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Carts with lids that do not close will not be collected. Materials left outside the cart will not be collected. Carts and contents must weigh less than 200 lbs. Make sure to put nothing but organics in the organics cart. If other items are included, the cart will not be emptied. Other items will contaminate the composting process. All plastic materials, including plastic bags, are not permitted in the green cart. Extra organics carts are available for an additional monthly fee and delivery fee. Call for details. If you occasionally have extra grass or leaves that will not fit inside your cart, you can take these materials to Broadview Enviroservice Station located at 101 Broadview Road, Sherwood Park. Visit the website or call for hours of operation. 10 Questions? 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca

Layering organics in the cart Organics can be placed loose directly in the cart. Layer dry and wet materials. This will help wet or smelly organics dry out and start the composting process. To layer organics: 1. Place a layer of newspaper or other paper product on the bottom 2. Then alternate layers: wet waste (kitchen waste, grass clippings or leaves), then dry waste (newspapers, soiled paper). 3. Do not pack down organic materials in the cart. This may cause materials to get stuck in the cart making it difficult to dump. Layering wet and dry materials will reduce the potential for odour. Layer your cart with newspaper to help prevent odours and pests Using your kitchen catcher (small covered pail) A covered kitchen catcher is supplied to every household. You can use this to collect organics inside your home, and empty them into the organics cart as needed. Tips on using the kitchen catcher Line the kitchen catcher with paper towel or newspaper to help absorb any liquids. Although it is not required, you may want to line the kitchen catcher with a compostable bag or compostable container (plastic or biodegradable bags are not permitted). After mealtime, scrape the scraps into your kitchen catcher. If you used paper plates or napkins, throw them in too! NO Styrofoam or plastic - they cannot be composted. Wrap very wet or smelly scraps (such as meat, bones and fish) in newspaper, paper towels or soiled boxboard (cereal or cracker boxes). Fasten the lid to reduce odours and control pests. Empty your kitchen catcher often. To clean the kitchen catcher, rinse with warm water and soap. look for the logo An option: compostable bags Compostable bags are made from a food by-product such as corn starch and can break down easily. If you use a bag, it is important to use only compostable bags, not plastic bags or biodegradable bags. Check the label to make sure they have the BPI certified compostable logo. 11

Tips for summer collection Layer the bottom and sides of the cart with newspaper or a soiled pizza box to prevent contents from sticking to the cart. Store the organics cart in a shaded or covered area. Sprinkle a small amount of vinegar, powdered garden lime, baking soda or powdered laundry detergent (without bleach) at the bottom of the organics cart. Layer wet and dry organic materials in the cart. Wrap wet or smelly organics in newspaper, paper bags or soiled boxes. Spreading detergent or vinegar around the lip of the cart may control insects. Wait until just before your organics collection day to clean out your refrigerator or freezer. Keep smelly organics in the freezer until your organics collection day. Controlling pests Taking steps to prevent pests is best. Below are some tips to help reduce and remove pests commonly found with organic waste. Fruit flies Clean your drains and wash cloths often as fruit flies live and breed there. Build a simple trap. Get a clean jar and place a piece of banana, malt, balsamic or red vinegar inside. Fit a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the jar and poke four or five holes in the plastic using a fork. Once fruit flies crawl in, they can t get out. Place the jar in an area where you have seen the most fruit flies. Empty the jar every 24 hours before any eggs have a chance to hatch. Maggots Wrap wet or smelly organics (meat, fish, bones) in newspaper, paper bags or soiled boxes. Some essential oils, such as citronella and tea tree oil are natural insect repellents. Try smearing your cart lid with one of these oils if flies are a problem. Hose out your cart after organic collection day. If there are maggots inside your cart, most will be removed when your cart is emptied. In the meantime, try sprinkling salt, vinegar, baking soda or garden lime directly on the maggots. You can also use water with a bit of detergent with a fragrance. The fragrance will also help keep flies away from your cart. 12 Questions? 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca

Tips for winter collection Layer the bottom and sides of the cart with newspaper or a soiled pizza box to prevent contents from freezing to the cart. Wrap wet organics in soiled boxes (example: cereal or shoe box) to help prevent them from freezing to the cart. Layer wet and dry organic materials in the cart. Pull your organics or waste cart - don t push. The bottom of the cart will cause snow to build up making it difficult to move. Pulling the cart won t cause snow to build up while moving the cart. Backyard composting Residents who have backyard composters are encouraged to continue to use them. You can still use the organics cart for many items that cannot be composted in backyard units. Brush and yard waste Grass clippings, leaves and other plant material may be placed loose in your organics cart. Make sure to layer with newspaper. Plastic or biodegradable bags are not permitted in your green cart. Brush under 15 cm (6 ) in diameter and up to 6 in length (max.), hedge and shrub trimmings and similar materials that do not fit in the cart can be taken to Broadview Enviroservice Station located at 101 Broadview Road in Sherwood Park. Tree branches over 15 cm (6 ), stumps, roots and sod must be taken to a landfill. Visit our website or call for hours of operation. Twice a year Strathcona County offers extra collection of yard waste to accommodate increased volumes from yard clean up. Yard waste must be placed in clear bags on these dates only. Check your Collection Calendar for dates. Grasscycling (mulching) is a recommended option. Simply leave grass clippings on the lawn where they provide valuable nutrients. Mow your lawn higher (keep the grass blade length about 6 cm). This encourages the roots to grow deep, giving a healthier, hardier lawn. Visit our website for more grasscycling tips. Please note: tree stumps, roots and sod must be taken to a landfill. 13

The black cart for waste Acceptable items (for a complete list, check out the Waste Wizard on the website or download the Android or iphone app) aluminum foil baby bottle liner bows and ribbons broken glass (wrapped in paper) carbon paper ceramics and dishes cereal plastic liner cigarettes and ashes (cooled) clamshells (e.g. berries, muffins) cleaning wipes cosmetic containers disposable diapers and wipes drywall feminine hygiene items flour bags foil wrappers frozen juice cans granola bar wrappers latex gloves ice cream carton incandescent light bulbs metal lids from jars meat tray liners non-recyclable packaging materials paper coffee cups, drink cups paint cans, emptied or dried pet food bags pet waste in plastic bags photos plastic egg carton plastic films and wraps plastic grocery and resealable bags plastic lids, straws and utensils porcelain glass and pottery potato chip bags PVC pipe Q-tips rags sharps (razor blades, broken glass) Styrofoam meat trays, cups and plates and egg cartons tetra paks (food) toothpaste tubes toys, broken wine cork, plastic If you have extra waste occasionally, you can take these materials to Broadview Enviroservice Station (see page 17). A fee will apply. Hazardous waste see page 17. Please note If you have questions about what items are acceptable, call or visit the website. All waste must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Carts with lids that do not close will not be collected. Materials left outside the cart will not be collected. Carts and contents must weigh less than 200 lbs. Make sure to put nothing but waste in the waste cart. If other items are included, the cart will not be emptied. Clean your cart thoroughly after your collection day. Large item pickup is held twice a year to collect items that do not fit in the waste cart. See your Collection Calendar for details. Large items can also be taken to Broadview Enviroservice Station. A fee will apply. Extra waste carts are available for an additional monthly fee and delivery fee. Call for details. 14 Questions? 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca

Preparing your recyclables Rinse it. Throw it in. Tie it up. Toss it out. Items must be rinsed and dried and placed in clear blue plastic bags available at grocery and hardware stores. Recycling is collected every week on your collection day. Recycling may be collected at a different time than the organics or waste. There is no limit to the amount of recyclables you can leave out for collection. For a complete list, check out the Waste Wizard on the website or download the Andoid or iphone app. Help keep our collectors safe make sure your bag weighs less than 25 kg (50 lbs) aluminum and tin cans, pie plates and containers (clean and in original shape) books (covers removed) box board (cereal, cracker boxes) cardboard, flattened, max. size 1 m x 60 cm (2 x3 ) can be cut down and placed underneath the blue bag, larger pieces can be taken to a recycle station cereal and other food boxes coloured paper computer paper detergent boxes (emptied) egg cartons (paper) envelopes (with/without plastic window) flyers frozen juice can lids glossy paper greeting cards (decorations removed) hard plastic bottles and containers (cleaned, no lids or caps) ice cream pails (rinsed, no lids) juice boxes (or take to bottle depot) magazines and flyers milk cartons and jugs (rinsed & flattened or take to bottle depot, no lids) newspaper phone books plastic detergent, condiment or shampoo bottles (cleaned, no lids or caps) plastic margarine or large yogurt containers (cleaned, no lids) pop bottles (or take to bottle depot, no lids) soup and vegetable cans (rinsed) tissue boxes wrapping paper (no foil) Don t be left behind Blue bags with incorrect items will be stickered and left behind. The sticker will let you know what needs to be removed or changed. Once you fix it up, your bag can go out for collection the following week. These items DO NOT go in your blue bag, but can be brought to the Broadview Enviroservice Station: glass (excluding mirrors and ceramics) small metal items (e.g. coat hanger, nails, broken household item) Styrofoam large packing material tetra-paks (food and beverage) 15

Recycling tips On windy collection days, make sure to mix heavier recyclable containers with the lighter materials such as newspaper. This will help reduce the chance of your recycling from blowing away. Or hang on to your recycling until the following week. Crush or squish your containers to get more items into the clear blue plastic bag. recycle stations Broadview Ardrossan 101 Broadview Road Sherwood Park 80-3 Avenue Ardrossan South Cooking Lake Events (monthly) 22142 South Cooking Lake Rd. Mixed paper Corrugated cardboard Metal Hard plastic containers (no lids or caps) Glass (excludes tempered glass and mirrors) Styrofoam Tetra pak Tires Brush and yard waste * Refundable beverage containers * Textiles collection bin 16 Questions? 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca

Broadview Enviroservice Station hazardous waste, electronics, appliance recycling 101 Broadview Road, Sherwood Park It is important to keep hazardous materials from going to the landfill. Many household materials are toxic to the environment and should be disposed of properly. The Broadview Enviroservice Station is a one-stop-eco-friendly-shop. Residents can drop-off electronics, household hazardous waste, oil, glycol, appliances, batteries and paint at the Enviroservice building. The building is open Thursdays to Sundays. Fees apply to some items. Please visit our website for hours of operation and fees. Items collected at the Broadview Enviroservice Station For a complete list, check out the Waste Wizard on the website or download the Andoid or iphone app. Household hazardous chemicals abrasive cleaners acetone aerosol sprays all-purpose cleaners antifreeze bleach butane disinfectants drain cleaner fabric softener insecticides kerosene oil (motor) oven cleaners paints (oil/water based) paint thinners/strippers pesticides propane (barbecue, 20 lbs or under) gas cylinders rubbing alcohol solvents, turpentine, varnish, lacquers wood preservatives Household hazardous electronics car batteries cell phones computers (monitors, keyboards, hard drives, accessories) fluorescent tubes (limit 24 tubes per day) rechargeable batteries stereos, speakers televisions Household appliances and other items appliances (fridges, stoves, dishwashers, freezers, washer/dryer) barbecue propane tanks (20 lbs. or under) car seats (fabric removed)* fire extinguishers furnace hot water tanks mattresses* microwaves patio furniture (not reusable)* shoes small appliances *fee does apply to drop off these items These items can also be taken to an Eco Station in Edmonton. Call 311 for details. 17

Recycle your shoes! Shoes are a difficult to recycle and are most often sent to the landfill until now! Strathcona County works with Soles4Souls to collect old shoes and keep them out of the landfill. Soles4Souls distributes donated shoes to those who need them most. If the shoes cannot be reused, they are sent for refurbishing by small businesses in developing economies. Drop off your clean shoes (in any state of wear) at our four County locations. Please tie or bind shoes together with elastics. Drop off locations URBAN Broadview Enviroservice Station 101 Broadview Road, Sherwood Park During building operating hours (Thursday to Sunday) Millennium Place 2000 Premier Way, Sherwood Park Ardrossan Recreation Complex 80-1 Avenue, Ardrossan Glen Allan Recreation Complex 199 Georgian Way, Sherwood Park RURAL Heartland Hall 55305 Range Road 214, Fort Saskatchewan South Contact office 22142 South Cooking Lake Road, Fire Station 2 Moyer Recreation Centre 54569 Range Road 215, Josephburg Strathcona Olympiette Centre 52029 Range Road 224, Sherwood Park 18 Questions? 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca

how to tell what goes where When you have an item and you re not sure where it goes, ask yourself: Is the item made from a material that was once living? Is it a rinsed hard plastic bottle or container (e.g. margarine, large yogurt, condiments), or an aluminium or tin product? Is it a clean paper or cardboard product? yes yes Is the item unsuitable for your waste cart? Does it include electronics, household hazardous waste, oil, glycol, batteries, paint or appliances? Is it glass, Styrofoam or non-deposit tetra paks? yes green organics cart take it to Broadview Enviroservice Station clear blue plastic bag black waste cart Does the item contain two or more products? (e.g. a chip bag is waste because it is plastic on the outside and foil on the inside). Is it a broken toy, ceramic item or a diaper? Is it plastic film or plastic packaging? yes Still aren t sure? Check out the Waste Wizard on the website or download the Android or iphone app. Just type in the item and the Waste Wizard will tell you where it goes. www.strathcona.ca/wastewizard 19

Thank you for doing your part! 780-449-5514 www.strathcona.ca/waste greenroutine@strathcona.ca Printed 2018