City of Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

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Table of Contents

1 Operational Review ...... 3 1.1 Site Description ...... 3 1.2 Material Collection Review ...... 5 1.3 User Survey ...... 6 1.4 GHG Offsets ...... 8 1.5 Finances ...... 8 2 Best Practices Review ...... 9 2.1 Eco Centre Design ...... 10 2.2 Staffing ...... 11 2.3 Program Management ...... 11 2.4 Finances ...... 11 3 Capital Region Summary ...... 12 4 Educational Initiatives ...... 14 5 Going Forward ...... 15 5.1 Eco Centre Survey ...... 15 5.2 Financial Considerations ...... 15 5.3 Site Design ...... 16 5.4 Tracking and Reporting ...... 17 5.5 Education and Promotion ...... 17 Appendix A: Eco Centre Case Studies ...... 18 Appendix B: Capital Region Eco Centre / Station Facilities ...... 36 References ...... 41

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

1 Operational Review

1.1 Site Description

The current Spruce Grove Eco Centre, located on ~ ½ hectare at 50 Diamond Avenue, is shown in the photo below.

Figure 1: Aerial View of Spruce Grove Eco Centre Site

Figure 2: Gate Kiosk Figure 3: HHW Collection / Storage Building

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Figure 4: Recyclables Collection Bins Figure 5: Garbage Collection Bins

Figure 6: Organics Collection Bin Figure 7: Tire / White Goods Collection Areas

Figure 8: Paint Collection Tubs in Figure 9: Miscellaneous Special Waste HHW Building Collection

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

As shown, the site is comprised of a gate kiosk where users are greeted and directed upon arriving (Figure 2). The other structure on site is a building (Figure 3) housing collection operations for materials including HHW, paint, fluorescent tubes, and other miscellaneous wastes requiring special handling and treatment (Figure 8 and Figure 9). Adjacent to this building is an additional covered area for storage of other items such as propane tanks.

The remainder of the site is dedicated to collection of garbage and recyclables in a series of roll-off bins and dedicated collection areas (see Figure 4 to Figure 7). Recyclables are collected as blue bag materials (mirroring the curbside program), cardboard, and metal. Additional materials are collected in segregated areas under provincial stewardship programs (electronics, tires). Organics are also collected in segregated bins, again mirroring the curbside program offered to Spruce Grove single family residents.

The west portion of the site is unpaved, and is reserved for bin storage and access by collection vehicles.

1.2 Material Collection Review

As shown in Figure 10, over half the material (by weight) currently collected at the Eco Centre is waste, while an additional 30% is comprised of recyclables, and the remaining 14% is organic material collected for composting. Discussions with City staff suggest that there is a desire to change the focus of Eco Centre operations to be increasingly directed at diversion opportunities.

14%

Organics 56% 30% Recycling Waste

Figure 10: Breakdown of Materials Collected at Eco Centre

Depot vs Curbside Collection

7000 6000 5000 4000 Curb 3000 Depot 2000 1000 0 Organics Recycling Waste

Figure 11: Comparison of Collection Amounts at the Eco Centre vs. Curbside

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To provide context around the amount of materials managed through the Eco Centre, Figure 11 shows the relative amount of material collected at the Eco Centre and through curbside programs. In 2013, 11% of organics, 34% of recycling, and 14% of Spruce Grove garbage were collected at the Eco Centre. The relatively high percentage of recyclables collection through the Eco Centre reflects the inclusion of materials such as metal and cardboard that may originate largely in the commercial sector. If only blue bag material is compared, 13% of total blue bag is collected through the Eco Centre, which is more consistent with the other materials. The site is also known to be used by individuals from outside Spruce Grove, who may choose to predominantly use the site for recycling. However, usage is speculative, as records are not kept of sectors and origins of users.

Materials handled through the Eco Centre since 2007 are shown in Figure 12 below, clearly showing the dominance of waste over any diverted materials, as well as a continued increased in amount of material collected through the facility in recent years.

Recycling Centre Tonnages

1400

1200

1000 Blue Bag 800 Cardboard Metal Tonnes 600 Organics

400 Waste E Waste 200

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year

Figure 12: Amounts of material collected at the Eco Centre

1.3 User Survey

To gain additional information on the number and origin of Eco Centre users, a survey was conducted of users from April 24 to May 6, 2014. The overall results are outlined in Figure 13 and Figure 14 below, showing that during that timeframe, showing that Spruce Grove single-family residents were the largest users of the facility (62%), followed by Parkland County/ Village residents (27%).

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

180 Spruce Grove Residential 160 Spruce Grove Multi-Family 140 Parkland County Residents Parkland Village Residents 120 Other Non Residents 100 80 60

# of Eco Centre Visits CentreEco Visits #of 40 20 0 Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May May May 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6

Figure 13: Breakdown of Eco Centre Users

500 Spruce Grove Residential 400 Spruce Grove Multi-Family Parkland County Residents 300 Parkland Village Residents 200 Other Non Residents

100 # of Material Drop-Offs #of 0

Figure 14: Eco Centre Users by Origin and Material

Figure 14 shows that Spruce Gove multi-family and Parkland County users appear to use the Eco Centre proportionally more for recycling than for garbage. This suggests that these users use the Centre as a recycling destination, more than a garbage disposal site. Additional insight into this use could be obtained through continued surveys.

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1.4 GHG Offsets

Recycling has significant associated environmental benefits, including reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The net GHG impacts of diverting materials from landfill (including carbon sequestration), as reported by Environment Canada, are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Net GHG Emissions Compared to Landfilling (ICF, 2005)

Applying these impact values to the amount of material diverted through recycling and composting activities at Spruce Grove’s Eco Centre in 2013 results in a net GHG savings of over 950 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Average composition of commingled recyclables was used to include blue bag material in this calculation, based on research conducted in Oregon (Oregon DEQ, 2011).

Using the USEPA’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator (http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy- resources/calculator.html), this is the equivalent of the emissions from more than 200 passenger vehicles for one year, or over 2200 barrels of oil, 12 tanker trucks of gasoline, the energy use of 80 homes, or the carbon sequestered by 24,000 tree seedlings over 10 years. These equivalencies could be useful in communicating the benefits associated with the Eco Centre to the public.

1.5 Finances

Spruce Grove’s total Eco Centre annual budget is $440,000. This amount is similar to The Town of Cochrane’s Eco Centre budget ($577,000 – see best practices), although there are some operational differences, with Cochrane diverting considerably more recyclables through their centre (1400 tonnes compared to just over 500 tonnes in Spruce Grove), while Spruce Grove collects considerably more waste than Cochrane at its Eco Centre (979 vs 52 tonnes). Overall, the relative budgets suggest that

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

Spruce Grove operates a reasonably efficient Eco Centre operation from a volume and financial perspective. However, the focus on waste shows that there is an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of the Spruce Grove Eco Centre from a diversion perspective, making it more of an Eco Centre, rather than a waste transfer facility.

The budget includes $130,000 in revenue, including $42,000 for sales of recyclables and $88,000 for user fees related to garbage. As market prices for recyclables are global in nature and highly variable, the greatest opportunity for increasing Eco Centre revenues lies with increasing garbage user fees. User fees for other services, such as collection of special wastes, may also offer additional revenue opportunities.

Expenses of $570,000 include contracted services to collect and manage garbage and recyclables (including provision of collection bins and transportation to disposal or markets). These costs translate to $195/tonne for garbage collection and disposal, $510/tonne for collection and processing of cardboard, $220/tonne for collection and shipping of blue bag recyclables, and $225/tonne for collection and transport of metal. Organics cost $109/tonne for collection and transportation plus an additional $42/tonne for processing. The high costs for cardboard collection are related to its low material density, requiring a larger number of bins for collection of the same amount of material. Incorporating use of compactor bins for cardboard would offer significant bin transfer savings, although these savings would be offset by the compactor cost.

This relationship of cost to material density is not mitigated by the fact that Eco Centre contract services, which are currently linked to curbside collection services, are charged on a per-bin tipping fee basis, rather than a per-tonne material management basis. This approach does not include incentives for efficient collection and hauling of materials collected.

In 2013, 126 cardboard bins were tipped at the Eco Centre for a total of 82 tonnes of material and a cost of almost $42,000. This translates to an average hauling density of just under 22 kg/yd3. Industry average densities for loose cardboard are 25-70 kg/yd3 (EPA, 2014), suggesting that there are opportunities for increasing hauling efficiencies through better bin loading and strategic hauling. Use of a compactor bin could offer densities of over 200 kg/yd3, potentially reducing the number of annual bin tips to 20 bins or less.

Also in 2013, 115 organics bins were tipped at the Eco Centre for a cost of $28,000. The 256 tonnes collected translates into an average density of just under 75 kg/yd3, which compares to an industry average material density of 90-200 kg/yd3, again suggesting potential for increased hauling efficiencies and associated cost savings.

Average density of garbage hauled from the Eco Centre is 55 kg/yd3, also well below the average material density of 70-135 kg/yd3. However, in the case of garbage, density is affected by bulky materials like furniture and construction / demolition materials, which are accepted at the facility.

With site space constraints, it is likely that material flow takes priority over hauling efficiency, in order to ensure customer service, particularly during times of heavy site traffic. This trade-off limits the ability to fill bins to capacity prior to hauling.

2 Best Practices Review

Four Eco Centre case studies were chosen for detailed review, based on examples that were deemed to be best practices or of particular relevance to Spruce Grove. The examples chosen were Cochrane, Edmonton, Hamilton and Region of Peel (see Appendix A for full case studies). These Eco Centres are well-designed and attractive, as shown in the following photos:

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Figure 15: Cochrane Eco Centre Figure 16: Edmonton Eco Station

Figure 17: Battleford Community Recycling Figure 18: Fewster CRC Drywall and Wood Centre (CRC) Scalehouse Drop-off

The review of the case studies, including discussions with program managers, led to a number of conclusions regarding successful Eco-Centre elements. These are summarized in the following summary of lessons learned:

2.1 Eco Centre Design

• Good site design and smooth traffic flow is key to encouraging use of the facility. • Desirable location without traffic congestion will encourage residents to use the site. • Providing a one-stop shop for drop-off of garbage, recycling, HHW, and other related services provides maximum convenience for residents. • Offering free diversion opportunities helps to gain participation in recycling and other diversion options. • Offering extra programs that are perceived as valuable by residents (e.g., diverting additional materials not accepted curbside) can help to justify an Eco Centre. • The ability to be modular (or potential for redesign based on future program changes), combined with enough space to expand (e.g., materials collected) allows for flexibility and evolution, providing for a longer term site. • Extending hours of operation may only result in the early birds coming an hour earlier and still having backlog in the middle of the day, especially on weekends.

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

• A covered site provides for better working conditions for staff and users, as well as keeping some materials dry and more marketable. • Consider installing cameras for safety and liability reasons. • To be effective, signage must be simple, highly visual, and incorporate pictures as well as words.

2.2 Staffing

• Staffing requirements may be lower than anticipated. • Important to have staff who are highly educated (HHW operators) and trained (on regional and provincial programs). • Providing good customer service is imperative to the success of an Eco Centre. • Having a greeter at the entrance to direct, screen and educate will serve to encourage proper use of the facility, and provide a good experience to users.

2.3 Program Management

• Important to track all materials managed through the site to monitor and evaluate performance.

2.4 Finances

• Despite on-site charges for services such as disposal of excess garbage, Eco Centres are not usually financially self-sufficient. Rather, in order to provide for financial sustainability, there is a need for a supporting financial mechanism, such as an eco-fee or transfer of taxes. As an example, Cochrane has implemented an Eco Fee of $4.75/month to all water meter accounts (single family, multi-family and businesses) to help support the Eco Centre directly. • If commercial users are controlled or charged higher fees, it is advisable to monitor for unmarked commercial trucks that attempt to avoid paying fees. • Flat fees may be seen as subjective, and may result in disputes and complaints.

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3 Capital Region Summary

In addition to best practices, a summary of the Eco Centres in the Capital Region was also conducted to provide a comparison of characteristics to Spruce Grove. The complete summary can be seen in Appendix B. A condensed version of this summary is shown below:

Municipality Materials Accepted Hours Rates

Spruce Grove Recyclables, garbage, M,T,F,Sat: 10am-6pm Garbage -$1/bag, HHW, food & yard Th 2pm-8pm $5/small item, W, Sun & holidays $10/large item closed C&D – $35/truck, $60/cube van

Devon Recyclables, garbage, M,F,Sat: 10am-5pm Garbage – $2/bag, HHW, yard waste, W: 4pm-7pm $20/car, $30/truck, reuse Sun & holidays closed $5/small item, $10/large item

Parkland County Recyclables, garbage, T–Sat: 9am-4:45pm No charge to residents HHW, yard waste, Th 9am-7:45pm during with ID card; reuse summer commercial $140/tonne

Leduc Recyclables, garbage, Tu,F,Sa: 9am-4pm Garbage – $2/bag HHW W,Th: 11am-6pm Sun,M closed

Edmonton Recyclables, garbage, Winter Hours: Garbage – $8/small HHW, kitchen & yard T-Sa: 9am-4:30pm item, $12/large item, waste, reuse Sun,M,holidays closed $38/ level truck Summer Hours: M-Sat 9am-6:30pm Sun & holidays closed

As shown, Spruce Grove is consistent in terms of service level to other Eco Centres in the region, offering collection of most materials, including food waste (which many others do not accept). The exception is items for reuse, since Spruce Grove does not have a reuse centre on its site. The current approach to reuse is to encourage residents to use existing local organizations that offer opportunities to donate quality used items, rather than establishing a separate reuse facility as part of the Eco Centre.

In the best practices research, a few unique items are accepted at some of these Eco Centres that the regional area Eco Centres do not take at this time. For instance, Cochrane accepts expanded polystyrene and car seats, while the Region of Peel accepts carpet. Hamilton accepts polystyrene and is currently conducting a bulky rigid plastic recycling pilot project that accepts large plastic items such as toys, pails, crates, lawn furniture, and recycling bins for a limited time. Spruce Grove may choose to consider adding additional materials to those currently collection at the Eco Centre, however, this should be predicated on diversion potential and community demand for collection of these materials, as well as processing options and secure markets for material.

Spruce Grove also offers similar hours of service to other communities in the region, arguably with longer year-round hours than other centres, where extended hours may be seasonal. These hours are also comparable to the Eco Centres covered in the best practices research, where it was noted by the Region of Peel that further extending hours may not provide significant additional usage, and not necessarily alleviate back-up in the middle of the day and on weekends. The main difference in opening hours

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project between Spruce Grove and the rest of the Capital region is that the Spruce Grove Eco Centre is open on Mondays, while the closest neighbouring Eco Centres, Parkland County and Edmonton, are closed Mondays. The potential impact this has on use of the Centre by non-Spruce Grove residents is reflected in the following results from a user survey recently conducted over a 2-week period:

From Spruce Grove Outside of Spruce Grove 200 173 164 150 110 97 90 93 91 100 73 79 74 63 66 56 50 49 40 44 50 36 32 32

# of Eco Centre Visits CentreEco Visits #of 0 Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May May May 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6

Figure 19: Survey of Spruce Grove Eco Centre Users

The survey indicates that the highest relative use of non-Spruce Grove residents occurs on Mondays and Fridays. Further survey work would assist in identifying the reasons for this, although it seems intuitive that outside users will gravitate to Spruce Grove on days when alternate centres are closed. However, this does not explain the apparent increased use on Fridays, so additional research would be helpful. Regardless, making Spruce Grove’s Eco Centre hours more consistent with neighbouring centres would be a logical step, particularly since Mondays are not high use days.

At the same time, with the exception of Parkland County, that does not charge residents with an ID card, Spruce Grove charges the lowest rates for garbage bags. Other regional centres charge at least double that rate. This suggests that Spruce Grove could reasonably at least double its charge for bags of garbage. This would help generate additional operational funding, while also assisting with a focus towards diversion activities.

In 2013, garbage fees collected (~ $88,000) were less than half the cost associated with hauling and disposing of that garbage (~$191,000). Increasing the rates charged for garbage at the site would help to close this gap.

Another option to assist with costs is to request surrounding communities whose residents use the Eco Station contribute to the facility. The Town of Devon receives cost sharing support from Parkland County for its Recycle Centre, with Parkland County paying 32% of the annual operating expenses, which equates to $55,500 annually. From the best practices examples, The Town of Cochrane has a cost share arrangement with several of the surrounding areas that benefit from using the Eco Centre. Rocky View County pays 10% of the Eco Centre’s annual operational cost (minus capital reserve contribution) while summer villages each pay $1,000 annually for residents to use the Eco Station.

Through regional and best practices research, it is noted that all Eco Centres allow both residential and commercial use. Most facilities, with the exception of Parkland County and the Region of Peel, do not accept business hazardous waste. In the case of Peel, businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste may apply to dispose of it at Eco Centres.

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4 Educational Initiatives

To provide promotion and education, the majority of regional Eco Centres and best practices case studies use websites and brochures. Other options that are utilized include flyers in utility bills, local newspaper articles and advertisements, telephone hotlines, mobile signs, display booths at public events and Recycling Ambassadors who go from site to site to assist with education. Social media is also regularly being used, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The Region of Peel’s Brampton Community Recycling Centre (CRC) (Figure 20) is unique in that it offers an Education Centre that displays various aspects of waste management. Additionally, a Teaching Garden (Figure 21) that includes drought-tolerant plants, and numerous gardens: butterfly, bird, herb, vegetable and woodland are nearby. Rain barrel and composter demonstrations are also on site.

Figure 20: Brampton CRC Education Centre

Figure 21: Brampton CRC Teaching Garden

Similarly, Airdrie’s Recycling Depot has a straw bale Environmental Education Centre (Figure 22) which provides public education opportunities, and also houses the Environmental Services Department. This building incorporates a number of environmental features, including a photovoltaic electric system, a potable rainwater collection and filtration system, and energy efficient windows. The centre was constructed using recycled content and environmentally sound and healthy construction materials, as well as xeriscaped green spaces.

Figure 22: City of Airdrie Environmental Education Centre

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

An Eco Centre offers an ideal location for an education centre that can anchor the education program for a community’s environmental initiatives, offering interactive public displays, as well as space for events such as lectures and workshops. As with Airdrie, this centre can play a dual role, also housing program staff.

5 Going Forward

As a result of the review of current operations, research on Eco Centre best practices, and discussions with Spruce Grove personnel, a number of conclusions and potential next steps have arisen. These are presented to suggest opportunities for evolution of the Spruce Grove Eco Centre into the future.

5.1 Eco Centre Survey

To build on the results obtained through the recent Eco Centre survey discussed previously, it is suggested that additional surveys of users be conducted to gain additional insight into origin and service requirements of users. At the same time, additional questions could be asked to assist in future program design. For example, why do residents with access to curbside programs choose to bring materials to the Eco Centre? Conducting surveys at different times of year will also serve to identify any correlating usage patterns.

If expanded surveys conclude that Eco Centre use by non-Spruce Grove residents is significant on an ongoing basis, a plan could be developed to approach relevant communities (specifically Parkland County) to contribute to operational costs. The current agreement between Parkland County and Devon is a precedent to this type of cost-sharing program.

The results of the survey regarding relative commercial and residential use will also provide valuable background that can be utilized in designing fair user fees, and potentially a utility charge.

5.2 Financial Considerations

In order to increase revenues, while also bringing fees more in line with regional averages, it is recommended that the fee for garbage delivered to the Eco Centre be increased to at least $2/bag. For the future, a graduated system of minimum charges for small items such as garbage bags, higher charges for bulky items, and per-tonne fees for larger loads would provide a fair and progressive system for charging for Eco Centre use. The per-tonne charge option would be predicated on the ability to install a vehicle weigh scale, which is challenging within the limited space of the current site.

Going forward, it is desirable to integrate Eco Centre operations into the waste utility, with a charge levied to all residents (both residential and commercial) for operation of the facility. This will allow for a level playing field, where all residents and sectors of Spruce Grove are encouraged to use the site.

Material revenues could be increased by transitioning to a source separated collection model from the current collection of commingled blue bag materials, thereby gaining the additional revenue associated with separated materials (such as newspaper), while reducing processing costs. However, this must be balanced against the distinct education advantage of having the curbside and Eco Centre collection models match. The source separated model option could be further investigated as part of the next contract bidding process to establish a cost benefit evaluation.

From the expenditure side, it is recommended that future contracts be written on a per-tonne material management basis, rather than a bin tipping basis. This will encourage contractors to optimize bin space and hauling efficiencies. On the existing site, this will need to be negotiated carefully, as limited space requires effective movement of materials in order to avoid bottlenecks and interrupted service for residents.

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It is also recommended to look into options for use of compactor bins for cardboard, to limit the number of bins required (thereby optimizing space), as well as reducing hauling.

It is also suggested that consideration be given to separating the Eco Centre servicing contract from the curbside collection contract. This may increase the number of companies who would bid on the Eco Centre contract, as there are a number of recycling companies that have expertise in drop-off recycling equipment and services, but may not offer curbside collection services.

5.3 Site Design

As mentioned in the best practices summary, the potential for modifications based on future program changes, combined with enough space to expand, allows for the flexibility and ability to evolve, leading to a longer term effective Eco Centre site. The current Eco Centre site is space constrained, with specific limitations associated with the natural gas pipeline running through the site, as well as the unpaved western portion of the site. With these constraints, expansion of the site to incorporate additional features, such as a scale, convenient bin access, and education centre, is restricted. Lack of storage space at the current site also limits the potential to add additional diversion materials, such as construction and demolition wastes.

The optimum solution would be to relocate the centre to a larger site with more room for enhanced facility design and expansion. If this is not an option, a redesign of the existing site to optimize utilization of existing space is recommended.

An effective, attractive site will also enhance the experience of users, encouraging increased and optimal use. Site design should consider bin numbers and placement, including the need for easy access by the public. Traffic flow is also an important consideration in ensuring safe, convenient access. Examples of effective Eco Centre site design features can be seen in Appendix A.

Effective and attractive collection infrastructure and signage is also important to encouraging site use. Keeping bins in good repair, and ideally colour coded by material (green for organics, blue for recycling, black or brown for garbage) can contribute significantly to site appearance. Clear, attractive signage with both written and pictorial instructions, is a key element to reducing contamination of materials. An example of effective signage is show below:

Figure 23: Effective signage combining clear words with photos (Source: Town of Banff)

It is recommended that upgrading signage be a priority for site improvements.

If an alternate larger site is secured, it is suggested that an educational component be added to the new Eco Centre, integrating an education centre that becomes the foundation for Spruce Grove environmental education programming. The education centre could include interpretive exhibits, demonstrations,

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

workshops, and other related events. This type of facility would be an attraction for schools, community groups, and the general public. The building could also serve as office space for site staff, and potentially environmental program managers.

5.4 Tracking and Reporting

It is recommended that Eco Centre performance metrics be integrated into an enhanced reporting system for all Spruce Grove diversion programming. This system could include diversion amounts, costs, and environmental benefits. Specific information should include:

• Amount of material destined for disposal • Amounts of materials diverted for recycling – Final destinations of recyclables should be documented – Residuals at recycling facilities should be subtracted from diversion numbers and added to disposal numbers – A breakdown of blue bag volumes should be separated by material for inclusion in respective material categories

Results achieved at the Eco Centre (and in fact all diversion programming) can then be used to communicate the program outcomes to the public. This type of positive feedback has been shown to reinforce participation in diversion programs.

5.5 Education and Promotion

To encourage increased use of the Eco Centre, it is recommended that a public education campaign, based on community-based social marketing principles, be launched to promote knowledge and understanding of the site and the opportunities it offers. This campaign could be integrated into broader diversion programming promotion or independently targeted. In the event an expanded site offers the opportunity to develop a dedicated education centre as part of the Eco Centre, as previously discussed, this education centre could become a focal point for diversion education.

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Appendix A: Eco Centre Case Studies

1 Cochrane, Alberta

Population: 17,580

1.1 Description

The Town of Cochrane Recycling Depot (Figure 24) was originally established by the Cochrane Environmental Action Committee in 1989 with funding and operating responsibility of the site assumed by the Town of Cochrane in 1994.

Figure 24: Old Cochrane Recycling Depot (Railway Street)

The new Cochrane Recycling Depot (Figure 25) located at 50 Griffin Industrial Point opened in December 2005. This staffed drop-off recycling depot where residents sort their recyclable material evolved over time to become the current Eco Centre.

Figure 25: Cochrane Eco Centre (Griffin Road)

The Cochrane Eco Centre, open Wednesday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and closed Sunday to Tuesday and holidays, accepts the following items:

• Newspaper • Drink containers • Eyeglasses • Mixed paper • Expanded polystyrene • Car seats (remove fabric and straps) • Cardboard • Glass jars • Printer cartridges • Tin cans • eWaste • Fluorescent bulbs • Scrap metal • Clothing • Automotive batteries • Mixed plastic • Bicycles • Household batteries • Plastic bags • Cell phones • Used oil & antifreeze • Food waste • Cooking oil • HHW & paint

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

Seasonal Eco Centre clean-up programs, from April to November, include leaves and grass as well as trimmings and branches. Pumpkins are accepted after Halloween and Christmas trees after Christmas.

This facility takes extra bagged household garbage and miscellaneous small waste (e.g., broken lawn chairs, old garden hoses). Appliances are also accepted.

The Eco Centre sold composters for $40 in 2013 and it is anticipated that they will be $45 in 2014.

1.2 Financial

A Resource Recovery grant from Alberta Environment for $1.2 million was used to construct the Eco Centre. It is estimated that the capital cost was closer to $2 million by the time the Eco Centre opened in December 2005.

Every water meter account in the Town of Cochrane pays an Eco Fee of $4.75/month, this includes single family and multi-family dwellings (where the fee is charged per unit in the case where there is only one meter) and businesses to help support the Eco Centre.

A cost share also exists with Rocky View County paying 10% of the Eco Centre’s annual operational cost (minus capital reserve contribution) so their residents can use the Eco Centre. Additionally, three summer villages each pay $1000 annually for residents to use the Eco Station.

The 2013 operational budget for the Eco Centre was $577,000 with $525,000 being used. The remaining $52,000 remains in a capital reserve fund designated for the Eco Centre’s future use. The main expense in 2013 was $250,000 on staff and the facility made $90,000 in recyclable material commodity sales.

Extra bagged garbage is charged $2 per bag or $20 per truckload at the Eco Centre which covers the cost of waste hauling and disposal.

1.3 Quantitative Results / Tonnages

In 2013, an average of 225 vehicles visited the Eco Centre every day, with 350 visiting the facility on Saturdays.

Roughly 1,400 metric tonnes of recyclables were diverted in 2013 with the following breakdown:

• Newspaper – 50 t • Mixed paper – 137 t • Cardboard – 241 t • Scrap metal – 127 t • Glass – 40 t • Mixed plastic – 66 t • Leaves and grass – 350 t • Oil products – 23 t • HHW & paint – 93 t • eWaste – 81 t • Baled metal (tin cans, aluminum) – 7.5 t • Food waste - 10 t • Tree trimmings – 166 t • Expanded polystyrene – 6 t In addition, 52 tonnes of garbage were collected and sent for disposal.

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1.4 Education / Communication

Website education and the Cochrane Eco Centre brochure available online, are the primary forms of education for the Eco Centre.

1.5 Lessons Learned

• Need to have an Eco Fee as primary source of revenue to allow for financial sustainability. • Everything at one site is imperative (e.g., recycling, HHW, waste). • Offer as many free diversion program as you can. • Can justify Eco Centre by offering programs that are ‘nice to have’ (e.g., expanded polystyrene, food waste). • Do not need as many staff as you think you do (Cochrane Eco Centre has 2 full-time staff, one part-time at 24 hr/week and 2 part-time at 8-16 hours/week).

1.6 Contact

Sharon Howland Waste and Recycling Manager Cochrane Eco Centre 50 Griffin Industrial Pt. Cochrane, AB T4C 2B8 T: (403) 851-2294 [email protected]

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

2 Edmonton, Alberta

Population: 812, 201

2.1 Description

Three Eco Stations (Ambleside, Coronation, Strathcona) located in Edmonton, one in the north and two in the south, are comprehensive waste drop-off facilities that accept household hazardous waste, bulky items, construction scrap and appliances. These locations offer Winter and extended Summer hours; from November 5, 2013 – April 6, 2014 they are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and are closed Sunday, Monday and holidays, and from April 7 – November 1, 2014 they are open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6:30 pm and are closed on Sunday and holidays.

Strathcona opened in 1995, while Coronation and Ambleside opened in 2000 and 2009 respectively. The new Kennendale location is anticipated to open in the Spring of 2015.

Eco Stations (Figure 26, Figure 28) do accept residential garbage and recyclables; however this is on a limited basis as residents should use the City of Edmonton garbage and recycling collection services or drop off their recyclables at community facilities. The Ambleside location also provides a reuse area (Figure 27) which opened June 2012 where items (e.g., televisions, stereos, computer peripherals) deemed reusable are set out for a limited time for pickup. Kennendale will have a reuse area when it opens.

Figure 26: Edmonton Eco Station Figure 27: Ambleside Eco Station Reuse Area

Figure 28: Ambleside Eco Station

These locations do accept commercial waste disposal, but vehicles must not exceed one tonne in weight and trailers must not exceed three metres (10 feet) in length.

Commercial hazardous waste and biomedical waste, expired medications, explosives, radioactive waste, munitions, fireworks or pressurized gases are not accepted.

Eco Stations sell 30 L bags of Second Nature® horticulture compost for $6 per bag. Additionally, customers can take home free paint (from the paint exchange) with a maximum of four cans per visit.

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2.2 Quantitative Results / Tonnages

In 2012, three Eco Stations served 222,010 customers with a customer satisfaction rating of 97 per cent. The City of Edmonton does not collect diversion information from Eco Stations.

2.3 Financial

The Eco Station receives ongoing financial backing from material charges at the gate and revenue from recycled materials (e.g., scrap metal, oil, car batteries) which accounts for roughly one third of the funds directed to Eco Stations. The remaining two thirds is from the Waste Services Fee charged on utility bills; only a portion of this fee goes to the Eco Stations.

HHW disposal is subsidized by the Provincial Government through the HHW program.

Eco Station material rates are listed below in Table 2.

Table 2: Edmonton Eco Station Material Fees

Material Rate

Clean recyclables (newspaper, metal cans, plastic bags etc.) No charge

Household hazardous waste (paint, motor oil, household cleaners etc.) No charge

Computer monitors and televisions (maximum 20 monitors per visit) No charge

Electrical appliances & scrap metal No charge

Tires (passenger car and truck tires, motorcycle and ATV tires only) No charge

Mattresses or box spring $12 each

Small items (chairs or comparable volume) $8 each

Large items (sofa or comparable volume) $12 each

Items requiring CFC removal (fridge, freezer, air conditioners etc.) $12 each

Loose waste and mixed loads are also accepted (e.g., brush and tree trimmings, garden waste, soils/gravels, fencing, lumber, concrete pieces, wood/vinyl siding, shingles, windows and fencing) at the rates listed in Table 3.

Table 3: Eco Station Loose Waste and Mixed Load Rates

Truck Size Rate

Partial ½ t truck $28/load

Level ½ t truck $38/load

Heaping ½ t truck $48/load

Cube van or utility trailer load Subject to viewing by Eco Station attendant1

1 Eco Station attendants have the final say about acceptability of the items and the charge that will be applied to each load

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2.4 Education / Communication

Detailed Eco Station information is provided on the City of Edmonton website. The What Goes Where flyer (Figure 29) is also available to assist customers with determining what is accepted at Eco Stations versus recycling and garbage services. Additional support is also available via a telephone hotline (T: 780.442.5311) and e-mail ([email protected]).

Eco Station education is incorporated into the compulsory Grade 4 waste management unit in the Edmonton school system.

Figure 29: City of Edmonton What Goes Where Flyer

2.5 Lessons Learned

• Customer service is imperative. • If site flow is easy and efficient, residents will use facility. • Simple signage. • Have a greeter at the front gate to direct, screen and educate.

2.6 Contact

Steve Simon Supervisor of Eco Station Program City of Edmonton 12802 58th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5A 4L3 T: (780) 496-6695 [email protected]

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3 Hamilton, Ontario

Population: 519,949

3.1 Description

Three Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) are located in Hamilton; Hamilton Mountain, Dundas and East Hamilton which opened in 2005, 2007 and 2009 respectively. All locations were built on existing transfers stations from 1979 and 1980, and are open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and closed on Sunday and holidays. Figure 30 shows the site map for the Hamilton Mountain CRC.

Figure 30: Site Plan for Hamilton Mountain Community Recycling Centre

The CRCs accept the following materials in four yard bins:

• Recyclable paper and containers • Furniture • Polystyrene • Household hazardous waste1 2(e.g., light • Garbage bulbs, paint, batteries) • Wood (2x4’s and 2x2’s without any nails, • Yard waste screws, paint or stain, logs no more than • Appliances (most small appliances with a 30 cm in diameter and 1.2 m long. No cord) arborite counter tops, doors, laminated • Scrap metal wood, painted wood, paneling, press- board, pressure treated wood, railways • Electronics (speakers in wood cases are toes and wood with nails or screws) not accepted) • Asphalt shingles • Tires (rims must be removed, four per day drop off allowed)

1Maximum allowed per visit: 40 kg of hazardous waste, 40 L of liquid hazardous waste, eight fluorescent tubes and one mercury thermostat.

2Household hazardous waste not allowed at the CRC include: asbestos; bio hazardous waste/biochemical wastes; ammunition, explosives or fireworks; radioactive waste.

For a complete list of materials accepted at the CRC please visit www.hamilton.ca/CityServices/Garbage- and-Recycling/What-goes-where/CRC.htm

24 Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

A bulky rigid plastic recycling pilot is taking place at the Hamilton Mountain CRC for a limited time in 2014. This location accepts large plastic toys, buckets and pails, crates and trays, garbage cans, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, pet carriers, pots, playhouses, totes and tool cases, and recycling bins. If all goes well rigid plastics recycling will become part of regular drop-off program.

Each CRC has a reuse shed where paint cans are stored for reuse. These sheds are open from the Spring to the Fall and residents can take home up to two cans of paint for free per visit.

Additionally, a Reuse Store, operated by Community Living Hamilton, is located at the Hamilton Mountain CRC.

BFI has the current contract to run the CRCs for the City of Hamilton until 2020. The City pays BFI a fixed monthly cost along with variable costs based on garbage tonnage loaded and transferred, leaf and yard waste tonnage loaded and transferred and a tipping fee for recyclable materials.

The current contract states that the City of Hamilton is responsible for the scales, scale houses and structural repairs while BFI looks after the general maintenance (e.g., painting, floor repairs, asphalt pavement, door lock repairs, fire extinguishers, and bills for water, gas and electricity).

3.2 Financial

The City of Hamilton paid for the initial CRC buildings through capital expenditures and monies received by millennium funding for capital infrastructure. The CRCs operations are paid for through the City’s operating budget which is tax based. Any revenues from the CRCs (e.g., fees and materials sales) are projected in the operations budget and used to offset this budget. The current CRC fees are listed below in Table 4.

Table 4: Residential and Business Recycling and Waste CRC Drop-off Fees

Items Amount Residential Fees Business Fees

Garbage First 100kg (220lbs) $8.50 $11.75 Additional 100kg (220lbs) $11.75 $11.75

Recycling (separated) Every 100kg (220lbs) Free1 $11.75

Leaf & Yard Waste Every 100kg (220lbs) Free1 $11.75 (separated)

Scrap Metal (separated) Every 100kg (220lbs) Free1 $11.75

1If a load is mixed with garbage, the whole load will be charged based on garbage rates

3.3 Quantitative Results / Tonnages

During 2013 roughly 5,600 tonnes of recyclables (electronics, plastics, scrap metal, shingles, tires, white goods, wood, cardboard), 7,300 tonnes of yard waste and 150 tonnes of reusable materials were diverted from landfill by all three CRCs. Additionally, 20,000 tonnes of garbage was sent to onsite transfer stations from all CRCs.

3.4 Education / Communication

CRC education is primarily through the City of Hamilton website, [email protected], and social media which focuses on HHW, tires and electronics. There is also a YouTube video of the Hamilton Mountain CRC found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8ldFLrfI8o

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3.5 Lessons Learned

• Ensure that site has enough space to expand (e.g., materials collected) with time. • If building a CRC make sure that the walls are made of concrete. • The easier it is to navigate the CRC (e.g., signage, roadway) the easier it is for customers. • Tracking recycling weights is important. • Watch for unmarked commercial trucks that use CRC without paying.

3.6 Contact

Joel McCormick Supervisor of Waste Processing City of Hamilton - Public Works 77 James Street North, Suite 400 Hamilton, Ontario L8R 2K3 T: (905) 546-2424 ext 5601 [email protected]

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

4 Region of Peel, Ontario

Population: 1,296,814

4.1 Description

The first Long Term Waste Management Strategy from 1997 endorsed the concept of a Community Recycling Centre (CRC) network as a means of reaching the waste diversion goal of 70 per cent by 2016. This network was designed to service 97 per cent of Peel residents within a 10-minute drive and included key growth areas identified via population projections. A customer satisfaction survey and postal code survey from 2009 indicated that the majority of CRC users are from within the anticipated 10-minute drive. Peel residents including small businesses are allowed to use the CRCs.

The Region of Peel currently has five CRCs, Battleford (Figure 31, Figure 32), Bolton (Figure 33, Figure 34, Figure 35), Brampton (Figure 36), Caledon (Figure 37) and Fewster (Figure 38) as described in Table 5, that provide the following services:

• Public drop-off area for recyclable and non-recyclable materials. • Household hazardous waste drop-off area and reuse centre. • Limited Business Hazardous waste (participating CRCs only, conditions apply). • Reusable goods drop-off. • Reusable goods stores (at specific sites). Later in 2014 the Heart Lake (NW Brampton) CRC is anticipated to open and pilot the first CRC that is operated by a contractor. The other five CRCs are operated by Region of Peel staff. The long term strategy for the Region of Peel is to develop a CRC in Clarkson (SW Mississauga) in the future. The results of the Heart Lake operational pilot project will assist in determining if Clarkson will be run by Region employees or a contractor.

All accepted materials / waste must be properly secured and sorted before entering the CRCs, it must also originate in Peel. Proof is required:

• Residents – identification with a current Peel address. • Small businesses – an original signed letter on company letterhead. • Contractors – a signed contract or work order with a Peel address referencing the vehicle. For more CRC guidelines visit http://www.peelregion.ca/pw/waste/crc/guidelines.htm

Table 5: Region of Peel Community Recycling Centre Location and Hours

Location Address Hours

Battleford 2255 Battleford Road New extended hours1 (effective until August 2014) Mississauga, ON Mon – Thu 8:30am – 8:00pm L5N 8P6 Fri – Sun 8:30am – 4:30pm

Bolton 109 Industrial Road Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 8:30am – 4:30 pm Bolton, ON New extended hours1 (effective until August 2014) L7E 1K5 Thu 8:30 – 8:00pm

Brampton 395 Chrysler Drive New extended hours1 (effective until August 2014) Brampton, ON Mon – Thu 8:30am – 8:00pm L6S 6G3 Fri – Sun 8:30am – 4:30pm

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Location Address Hours

Caledon 1795 Quarry Drive Caledon, ON Mon – Sat 9:00am – 4:30pm L7K 1R9

Fewster 1126 Fewster Drive Mississauga, ON Mon – Sun 8:30am – 4:30pm L4W 2A4

1 Beginning September 3, 2013 until August 31, 2014, the Region of Peel is offering an Extended Hours Pilot Program at Battleford, Brampton and Bolton CRCs. This Program provides additional hours of operation to supplement existing CRC schedules.

Figure 31: Battleford CRC Scalehouse Figure 32: Battleford CRC Building

Figure 33: Bolton CRC Emergency Evacuation Figure 34: Bolton CRC ReUstore Plan

Figure 35: Bolton CRC Compost for Sale Pile Figure 36: Brampton CRC HHW Drop-off

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Figure 37: Caledon CRC Material Drop-off Figure 38: Fewster CRC Drywall and Wood Drop-off

Recyclable materials accepted at CRCs include:

No Fee Fees Apply • Blue box recycling items1 • Carpet (clean and debris-free at Battleford, • Large metal appliances and fixtures Brampton and Fewster CRSs only) • Scrap metal (max 8 ft in length) • Scrap wood – maximum 4 ft in length • Tires (passenger car and light truck tires) • Drywall Select electronics2 • Residential yard waste (accepted free of • charge, year-round, at Bolton and Caledon • Shingles CRCs only) 1 milk cartons and juice boxes, aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles (place caps in garbage), paper bags and non-reusable plastic bags (multiple plastic bags in one tied plastic bag only), cardboard food holders, polystyrene foam packaging, aluminum plates and trays, plastic tubs and lids, notebook paper (not shredded)

2 computers and peripherals, monitors, televisions, printing devices, telephones, cell phones, PDAs, pagers, audio and video players, cameras, equalizers, (pre)amplifiers, radios, receivers/speakers/tuners, turntables, video game systems and accessories, players/projectors and video recorders

Peel’s CRCs also accept residential household hazardous waste free of charge with a 80L limit per day for the following:

• Acids and bases • Fire extinguishers • Adhesives (all types) • Fuels (gas, kerosene etc) • Aerosol cans (full or partially full) • Pool chemicals • Antifreeze • Medication and pharmaceutical products • Brake and transmission fluid • Motor oil and filters • Chlorine • Paints / stains and solvents • Cleaners and detergent • Photographic chemicals • Fertilizers and pesticides

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Other household hazardous waste accepted includes:

• Batteries (all types, including lead acid • Mercury thermometers/thermostats • Cooking oil • Propane/helium cylinders – limit 5 per day, • Fluorescent light bulbs/tubes and ballasts maximum 18 kg (remove from fixture, maximum 40 bulbs • Syringes/needled/lancets (only in biohazard per day) container; pick-up and drop-off containers at any CRC free of charge)

CRCs take pharmaceuticals for safe disposal along with garbage; clean fill (e.g., soil, sod, topsoil, clay, sand); construction, renovation and demolition material (insulation must be double bagged) with no asbestos; and rubble (e.g., brick, concrete, asphalt, ceramic tile, porcelain).

Items not accepted at the CRCs are:

• Asbestos • Hazardous waste from businesses (businesses • Biomedical waste (e.g., items soiled with bodily that generate small quantities of hazardous fluids) waste may apply to dispose of it at Bolton, Caledon and Fewster CRCs; visit • Flares, fireworks and ammunition http://www.peelregion.ca/pw/waste/bhw/ for • Food waste (green bin material) eligibility) • Heavy truck and tractor trailer tires • Hazardous waste from industrial, commercial • PCB-contaminated waste and institutional sector • Tires from businesses and heavy equipment

The Region of Peel operates reusable goods drop-off areas, exchanges and/or retail stores at CRCs. Donated items are resold at moderate prices at the Bolton and Brampton CRCs while residents are welcome to pick-up items, free of charge, at the Caldeon CRC. Battleford and Fewster CRCs provide drop-off only for reusable materials.

Items accepted for reuse include:

• Books • Housewares • Building materials • Plumbing fixtures • Clothing • Tools and shop equipment • Dimensional lumber • Toys • Doors and Windows • Working small appliances • Home furnishings • Household electronics

Goodwill picks up reusable materials dropped-off at Battleford, Brampton and Fewster CRCs. Caledon Community Services staffs the drop-off and store at the Bolton CRC while Waste Operations staff operates the Caledon CRC drop-off.

CRCs also sell numerous items, as listed in Table 6, at all locations.

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Table 6: Items Available for Purchase at all CRCs

Item Cost

Backyard composter $21.85

Bulk compost $35/tonne or 3.5¢/kg

Garbage tags $5/sheet of five tags

Green bins $20

Kitchen containers $5

Rain barrels $50

Recycling blue boxes $6

Reusable paint Free

The Brampton CRC offers an Education Centre (displays on different aspects of waste management) and Teaching Garden (drought-tolerant plants, butterfly garden, bird garden, herb garden, vegetable garden and woodland garden plus rain barrel and backyard composter demonstration) as seen in Figure 39 and Figure 40.

Figure 39: Brampton CRC Education Centre

Figure 40: Brampton CRC Teaching Garden

4.2 Financial

Original 1999 capital cost estimates were $5.5 M per site on average as a green field project. The Bolton and Caledon CRCs were built on Regional property, the Fewster CRC property was purchased by the Region and Battleford and Brampton CRC sites are leased from the respective municipalities. Battleford and Heart Lake CRCs were built on green field space.

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The design of the CRCs is fairly standard, with design changes made at each site as required based on operational needs, site limitations or permit requirements.

Current operational costs are approximately $2 M per site on average (however this does not include the cost of the extended hours pilot project), but the net is approximately $1 M after revenues. See Table 7 for more detailed costs.

Table 7: Estimated CRC Capital and Operational Costs

Battleford Bolton Brampton Caledon Fewster Heart Lake

Year Anticipate 2004 19971 2002 20071 2008 Completed 2014

$9.5 M Capital Cost2 $7.2 M $2 M $6.1 M $3.5 M $10.8 M estimate

Operational $3 M $1.2 M $3 M $950,000 $2 M TBD Cost

Approx. Lot 10,150 m2 10,400 m2 20,430 m2 24,469 m2 32,393 m2 Area

1 Year of upgrade

2 Capital costs for each of the facilities was dependent on a number of factors including: need to purchase a site or use an existing municipal site, extent of services offered (e.g., reuse drop-off versus store), site design (e.g., offices versus platform), site equipment (e.g., 40 yard bins versus Transtors)

TBD – To be determined

Tipping fees collected at CRCs are weight based as seen in Table 8. These fees along with revenue from the partial subsidy of HHW, tires and electronics provincial EPR programs and a portion of residential and business property taxes all contribute to financing the CRCs.

Table 8: CRC Tipping Fee Schedule

Weight of Load1 Drop-off Fee

Up to and including 50 kg (110 lbs) $5 flat rate

Greater than 50 kg (110 lbs) 10¢ per kg

1 Maximum load weight of 750 kg (1653 lbs); weight of load is calculated in increments of 5 kg and payment is rounded to the nearest dollar

Note: Vehicles and/or trailers containing only items accepted free of charge are considered to have dedicated loads. Vehicles and/or trailers with both items accepted free of charge and items subject to drop-off fees are considered to have mixed loads. The entire weight of a mixed load is subject to drop- off fees.

At this time, residents are not charged for appliances dropped-off at CRCs.

4.3 Quantitative Results / Tonnages

In 2012, the five CRCs diverted 39,050 tonnes and accounted for the 8% of the Region’s diversion rate, while in 2013, 35,150 tonnes were diverted and 19,700 tonnes of garbage went to landfill.

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4.4 Education / Communication

The Region of Peel promotes CRC education via their website, brochures (e.g., HHW, sharps, e-waste) and quarterly advertisements in local newspapers (e.g., Mississauga, Brampton). Additionally, mobile signs and display booths at public events provide information to residents and small businesses. Figure 41 shows the Peel Clean Carpet Campaign flyer and Figure 42 is the CRCs brochure.

Figure 41: Clean Carpet Campaign Flyer

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Figure 42: Community Recycling Centres Brochure

4.5 Lessons Learned

• Fewster’s CRC location is not desirable (it is surrounded by auto body shops & the traffic congestion on the road is horrible making it not attractive to residents) and was a decision based on existing permitting versus the original planned location (based on population, access, etc.). However, it has a long queuing area on site and the Region of Peel has implemented a couple of programs that drive small businesses to the site. The residents who use it are happy as there are usually no long queues so they are in and out quickly. • Battleford and Brampton CRCs are close to major roads but do not have a long queuing area on site. Vehicles using the facility often are lined up on the road waiting to get on site especially on the weekends. • The ability to be modular (or redesigned based on future influences such as EPR materials being added to what is accepted at the CRC) should be considered. Adding select electronics and tires to the EPR program in Ontario resulted in creative operational changes (e.g., dedicated loads, token bypasses). This assists especially tight sites (e.g., Battleford) where there may not be room to add bins based on material coming on stream (e.g., EPR materials) and/or new processors of materials (e.g., carpet and under padding).

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• Customer Satisfaction Surveys (Regional as well as within Waste Management Division) have shown consistently high approval of staff (friendly, helpful, etc.). Peel discovered that you can’t please everyone when it comes to tipping fees and hours of operation, for instance, one respondent replied that we should be open 24 hours / 365 days of the year but would only use the facility once per year. The 2009 survey had only ten per cent of respondents supporting the tipping fee. The rest of the respondents wanted to see cheaper fees, fees driven by market or material (e.g., yard waste, metal, dirt, garbage or anything that is recyclable / compostable), or differentiated by source (e.g., there should be cheaper fees for contractors, for those doing home renovations), free tipping (e.g., schools), annual and/or regular free days, and fees specific to vehicle type or size. The Region has found that extending the hours of operation has only resulted in the early birds coming an hour earlier and still having the back-up in the middle of the day especially on weekends (when it’s mostly residents and small businesses). The extended hours pilot project was extended to August 2014 so revenues associated with this pilot have not been fully analysed. Differentiated tip fees are a possibility but would probably add time on to processing and there have been negative comments related to that in the survey responses. Until now, The Region of Peel prefers to weigh the loads and apply a set tipping fee. They believe that flat fees are too subjective and end up in arguments, inappropriate language, complaints to politicians, etc. • If you can afford it – cover the site. This provides much better working conditions for staff and for users when they unload their materials, as well as keeping some materials dry and more marketable (e.g., carpets, mattresses, etc.). • Recently installed cameras for safety and liability reasons which took many years to accomplish. • Staff is highly educated (HHW operators) and trained (Regional and provincial programs). This is very important when you consider the materials collected and transported at/on/from the site. • Sites are signed but many people do not read signs. Some signage has actually become more (or all) graphic as we have a large population that do not speak or understand English. Some materials have been translated but not anything related to CRCs.

4.6 Contact

Karyn Hogan Specialist – Waste Reduction and Reuse Waste Program Planning Regional Municipality of Peel 10 Peel Centre Dr., Suite A, 4th Floor Brampton, ON L6T 4B9 T: (905) 791-7800 ext. 4379 F: (905) 791-2398 [email protected]

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Appendix B: Capital Region Eco Centre / Station Facilities

Materials Accepted Sector Tax Based / Utility Education / Location Hours Rates Lessons Learned Other Contact (Res/Com) Recycling Waste Other / Based Communication Reuse

Spruce Grove, R & C Mixed paper, Garbage Food & yard M,Tu,F,Sa 10am- Garbage-$1/bag, Website Public Works AB newspaper, HHW waste 6pm $5/small item (e.g., 1 Schram Street (Pop: 26,171) R HHW only, boxboard, W closed chair), $10/large item Spruce Grove, AB no C or I plastic Th 2pm-8pm (e.g., couch, mattress) T: (780) 962-7584 containers #1- Su & holidays Propane tank-$3 Eco Centre 7, clear glass closed White good-$15 50 Diamond jars, deposit Wood or construction Avenue items material-$35/truck or Cardboard trailer load, $60/cube (no larger van load than 2’x2’) Metal Electronics Tires (rims removed) Propane tanks White goods

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

Materials Accepted Sector Tax Based / Utility Education / Location Hours Rates Lessons Learned Other Contact (Res/Com) Recycling Waste Other / Based Communication Reuse

Devon, AB -R & C -Boxboard, -Garbage -Grass clippings, -M, F, Sa 10am- -Vehicle batteries-$1 -Tax based -Website -Have area for -Generally Gary Christian, (Pop: 6,510) -R HHW only, cardboard, -HHW leaves (no plastic 5pm each funding primarily -Brochure used furniture compost give Recycle Centre Manager no C or I newspaper bags) -W 4pm-7pm -Propane bottles- -Revenues from -Local paper -Separate area for away in 20 Haven Recycle -Mixed paper -Small reuse area -Statutory holidays $5/bottle recyclable -Ads in utility bill Styrofoam Spring Avenue Centre -Mixed plastic (15’x15’ table) closed -Garbage (bagged)-$2 materials go back Devon, AB 20 Haven containers -New drywall each to the Recycle T: (780) 987-5086 Avenue -Plastic scraps -Garbage (carload)- Centre grocery bags -Large item drop- $20 -Cost share with Darrel Penner -Plastic milk off/pickup in -Garbage Parkland County Manager of Accounting jugs spring and fall (pickup/van/trailer)-$30 who pays 32% of 1 Columbia Avenue -Scrap metal -Garbage (cube van)- annual operating Devon, AB -Tin cans $50 expenses, about T: (780) 987-8304 -Tires (no -Small items (e.g., $55,500 per year equipment chair)-$5/item tires) -Bulky items (e.g., -Used clothing sofa, mattresses)- -Paint $10/item -E-waste -White goods (e.g., (computers, fridge, freezer, stove)- TV’s, printers) $10/item -Fluorescent bulbs -Printer cartridges

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Materials Accepted Sector Tax Based / Utility Education / Location Hours Rates Lessons Learned Other Contact (Res/Com) Recycling Waste Other / Based Communication Reuse

Edmonton, AB -R & C -Glass -Garbage -Reuse area at -Winter Hours (Nov -Small item (e.g., -Two-thirds of Eco -Website -Customer service -Second Steve Simon (Pop: 812,201) -R HHW only -Metal including Ambleside 5, 13-Apr 6, 14) chair) - $8 Stations are paid -Flyer is imperative Nature Supervisor of Eco Station -Residents -Paper and kitchen and -Reuse area at Tu-Sa 9am- -Mattress or box spring for through a -Incorporated into -If site flow is easy compost sold Program Eco Stations and small cardboard yard waste Kennendale when 4:30pm, - $12 Waste Services Grade 4 waste and efficient, for $6 at all 12802 58th Street businesses -Plastic -Bulky it opens Su,M,holidays -Large item (e.g., sofa) Fee1 (SF- management unit in residents will use three Eco Edmonton, AB Ambleside: must off load -Used items closed - $12 $37.34/month, MF- the Edmonton school facility Stations T: (780) 496-6695 14710 Ellerslie all materials clothing / -HHW -Summer Hours -Items requiring CFC $24.27/month) system -Simple signage -Usable paint Road SW at Eco fabric (Apr 7-Nov 1,14) removal (e.g., fridge, charged on utility -Have greeter at offered to Stations; -Small M-Sa 9am-6:30pm freezer) - $12 bills (only a portion front gate to direct, customers Coronation: material must appliances -Su & holidays of this fee goes to screen and free of charge 11440 – 143 fit in bins -Electronics closed Waste/mixed loads Eco Stations) educate (4 can Street -Tires Partial ½ T truck - -Other one-third is limit/visit, -C&D (e.g., $28/load paid for by material quality not Strathcona: drywall, Level ½ T truck - gate charges and guaranteed) 5150 – 99 asphalt $38/load revenue from Street shingles, Heaping ½ T truck - recycled materials scrap metal, $48/load (e.g., scrap metal, Kennendale concrete, Cube van or utility oil, car batteries) 27 Avenue wood) trailer load – subject to between 52 & viewing 55 Streets -maximum vehicle size -anticipate 1T and length 3m opening in Spring 2015

Spruce Grove Eco Centre Review Project

Materials Accepted Sector Tax Based / Utility Education / Location Hours Rates Lessons Learned Other Contact (Res/Com) Recycling Waste Other / Based Communication Reuse

Leduc, AB -R & C -Plastic -Garbage -Tu, F, Sa 9am- -Garbage-first bag is -Tax based; -Website -Eco Station is now -In the past Morgan Deschner (Pop: 24,279) (cardboard containers -HHW 4pm free for R and C, looking at other -Eco-smart Hotline T: manned which gave away Environmental and blue bag with recycling -W, Th 11am-6pm additional bags are payment options (780) 980-7107 leads to less compost bags Consultant only for loop -Su, M closed $2/bag -Revenues from -Included in general material at the Eco 1 Alexandra Park Eco Station businesses) -Tin/aluminum recycled materials waste program contamination Station Leduc, AB 6102-46 Street -R HHW only and plates (minimal) placed in education -Now open 35 T: (780) 980-7198 -Paper designated fund for -Web banner on local hours/week, before ext 6029 -Non-glass Eco Station newspaper website was only 30 drink provides waste hours/week which Kerra Chomlak containers program information, was not enough for Environmental -Cardboard including Eco Station residents Sustainability -Electronics specific information -HHW and Coordinator electronics T: (780) 980-8442 collection is open year round, City collects a lot more of these materials than if a one day ‘round up’ took place

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Materials Accepted Sector Tax Based / Utility Education / Location Hours Rates Lessons Learned Other Contact (Res/Com) Recycling Waste Other / Based Communication Reuse

Parkland -R & C -Mixed -Garbage -Take it or Leave -Winter Hours (Oct -Residents are not -Website -Compaction was Jason Doucette, Solid County, AB paper/blue -HHW it at Parkland 1-Apr 30) Tu to Sa charged for bagged -Brochure added to the Waste Coordinator (Pop: 30,568) bag recycling Country Transfer 9am-4:45pm household waste and -Recycling transfer station 53109A Highway 779 -Clothing Station and -Summer Hours small furniture when ambassadors go from operation at the Parkland County, AB Parkland -Appliances Recycle Centre (May 1 – Sep 30) Solid Waste Disposal site to site to assist rural locations of T: (780) 968-8888 ext County TS & -Tires -Take it or Leave Tu, W, F, Sa 9am Card with education Seba Beach and 8271 Recycling -Yard waste it sites anticipated – 4:45pm; and government- Kapasiwin, Centre – RR -Aerosol cans at Seba Beach Th 9am-7:45pm issued identification is residents did not 11 -Propane and Kapasiwin presented like this change as tanks Transfer Stations -Parkland County TS, it meant that they Moon Lake TS -Motor oil, by the end of Parkland - $145/T, had to separate used oil filters, 2014 Spruce Grove & certain materials, Seba Beach paint, -Small pilot Stony Plain - $155/T be cognizant that TS household project assessing -Parkland County staff will go through and yard waste static, residents drop-off a a lot of abuse and Kapasiwin TS automotive windrow and maximum of two they will not stay batteries aerated appliances for free per with the County for Tomahawk TS -Electronics composting visit, non-residents are long -Construction, technologies charged roughly -Compaction is a Keephills TS demolition starting at Seba $11/unit for appliances good tool to and Beach TS May 1, decrease cost, renovation 2014 able to pay off material2 compaction -Metal2 equipment within a year instead of paying for hauling of loose cardboard

R – Residential, C – Commercial, I – Industrial, TS – Transfer Station 1Waste Services Fee includes: 3 Eco Stations, garbage and blue bag/bin collection, 22 community recycling depots, assisted waste collection and 12 big bin events 2Charges apply / voucher required at rural sites

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References

Christian, G., 2014. Recycle Centre Manager. Town of Devon. Telephone Communication. March 24, 2014. T: (780) 987-5086.

Deschner. M., 2014. Environmental Consultant. City of Leduc. Telephone Communication. April 9 & May 6, 2014. T: (780) 980-7198.

Doucette, J., 2014. Solid Waste Coordinator. Parkland County. Telephone Communication. April 10, 2014. T: (708) 968-8888 ext 8271.

EPA, 2014. Standard Volume to Weight Conversion Factors. http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/tools/recmeas/docs/guide_b.pdf

Hogan, K., 2014. Specialist – Waste Reduction and Reuse. Regional Municipality of Peel. Telephone Communication. April 2 & 10, 2014. T: (905) 791-7800 ext 4379.

Howland, S., 2014. Waste and Recycling Manager. Town of Cochrane. Telephone Communication. March 26, 2014. T: (403) 851-2294.

ICF Consulting, 2005. Determination of the Impact of Waste Management Activities on Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2005 Update. Submitted to Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada. March 31, 2005.

McCormick, J., 2014. Supervisor of Processing. City of Hamilton. Telephone Communication. March 26, 2014. T: (905) 546-2424 ext 5601.

Oregon DEQ, 2011. Composition of Commingled Recyclables Before and After Processing. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. March 2011. Accessed online at http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/pubs/docs/sw/CompositionCommingledRecyclablesBeforeAfterProc essing.pdf

Penner, D., 2014. Manager of Accounting. Town of Devon. Telephone Communication. May 14, 2014. T: (780) 987-8304.

Simon, S., 2014. Supervisor of Eco Station Program. City of Edmonton. Telephone Communication. April 9, 2014. T: (780) 496-6695.