October 21st to the 27th has been proclaimed as Waste Reduction Week by the Town of Kindersley and across Canada.

Kim Vogel, deputy administrator with the Town of Kindersley, talked about the overall goal of Waste Reduction Week.

“We’re using social media this year to educate the public on ways to reduce waste, and educate them so our community can move towards more environmental sustainability.”

The awareness week kicked off on Monday across the nation, and throughout the week various Canadian landmarks will be lit up by blue and green lights. 

Although the illuminated landmarks will likely draw attention to the week long event, waste reduction efforts need to happen all year long. Vogel states doing something as simple as proper recycling can go a long way to help.

“I think a lot of it starts with recycling and reusing what we can. There’s lots of different products that are recyclable. I guess for somebody to think twice before they throw it in the trash, 'Is that an item I can recycle or reuse in some way? Is there somebody that could benefit from the use of it,' instead of just throwing it in the trash, and saying goodbye to it that way.”

Residents are however, being urged to recognize what is, and isn't, recyclable. According to the Town of Kindersley, all materials must be clean and consist of:

  • beverage containers: aluminum cans, plastic bottles/jugs, milk cartons and juice boxes
  • metal: aluminum and household tin
  • plastics: all household plastics labeled with any #1-7 symbol
  • paper fibre materials: newsprint, paper, flattened cardboard

Items that are not able to be recycled through the Town of Kindersley, or any municipality which utilizes Loraas Environmental Services, include:

  • plastic grocery bags
  • stretch plastic film
  • Styrofoam
  • electronics
  • scrap metal
  • batteries
  • wood waste
  • plastics without a #1-7 symbol
  • plasticized, waxed or laminated paper
  • tissues or soiled paper towel
  • mirrors, ceramic, window glass
  • hazardous waste and bio-hazardous waste
  • household glass
  • lightbulbs

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, more than 400 million beverage containers recycled through SARCAN in 2017. To find out more about recycling options for items including grain bags and tires, click here.