PARTNERS
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Pesticide Container Collection
The Pesticide Management Program administers and enforces provincial legislation to ensure safe distribution, storage, use and disposal of pesticides. In 1980, a pilot program was set up at 122 sites around Alberta to provide farmers and commercial applicators with a means of properly disposing of their empty pesticide containers.

In the first year, over 80,000 containers were collected. Metal pails (predominant at that time) were collected and sent to a local steel mill for recycling. Since then, the collection program has grown in Alberta and across Canada.

In 1997, over one million containers were collected in Alberta alone. The majority of containers, now plastic, are recycled into plastic fence posts or used as a source of heat energy for industrial processes.

Operation CleanFarm
In 2002, Operation CleanFarm was launched. It is a three-year program offering safe and free disposal for a range of pesticides. At specified time periods each fall, farmers can properly dispose of their obsolete or leftover pesticides at no cost.

Operation CleanFarm is part of CropLife Canada’s Stewardship First program, which promotes safe and responsible use of crop protection products. To date, more than 450 tonnes of material has been collected across Canada. The program won a Premier’s Award of Excellence in 2003.

www.gov.ab.ca/env/protenf/pesticide/waste

Milk Container Recycling Program
The Alberta Dairy Council launched the Milk Jug Recycling Program in 1999, as a province-wide initiative for used plastic milk jugs. The Alberta Dairy Council provides financial and technical support to community-based recycling programs that collect used milk containers.

Plastic milk jugs are recycled into such products as drainage tile, flowerpots and plastic lumber. Recycled milk cartons are used to make corrugated cardboard and writing paper. The Milk Container Recycling Program won an Emerald Award in 2002 -- the same year it expanded its program to include paper milk cartons.

www.milkcontainerrecycling.com

Fluorescent Bulb and Computer Recycling
Alberta was the first province to introduce a voluntary program designed to increase recycling rates of obsolete computers and burnt out fluorescent bulbs. These materials contain lead and mercury – toxic materials that, if placed in landfills, can leach into the soil or groundwater systems.
In 2001, the Partners in Recycling voluntary program began with the launch of Phase One focusing on the MUSH sector (Municipalities, Universities, Schools and Hospitals). The second phase concentrated on the ICI sector (Industrial, Commercial and Institutional). Organizations and companies in each sector are asked to join the program as a Partner in Recycling, formally agreeing to safely recycle fluorescent bulbs and end-of-life computers.

Since the program’s inception, more than 125 organizations have become partners. As a result, tonnes of computer waste and thousands of metres of used fluorescent bulbs have been safely recycled due to the voluntary efforts of these partner organizations, and the cooperation of participating recyclers.

www.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/aow/flcr

Construction, Renovation and Demolition Waste
Construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) waste makes up a significant portion of the waste material in Alberta's landfills. This waste consists mainly of common materials for which reuse opportunities and recycling markets already exist. By changing the way CRD projects are managed, the amount of waste generated can be dramatically reduced and help conserve resources, save landfill space and reduce costs.

Action on Waste, in cooperation with a number of industry and government stakeholders, formed the Construction, Renovation and Demolition Waste Reduction Advisory Committee in 1999. The committee has developed a series of web pages housed on Alberta Environment’s web site to provide market reports on CRD materials, contract specification guidelines, case studies of successful demolition projects and “how-to” guides for reducing CRD waste.

www.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/aow/crd/index.html

Household Hazardous Wastes
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) refers to the materials used in daily activities that are potentially damaging to our environment, health and safety. Typical household hazardous wastes are materials left over from such activities as painting, cleaning, disinfecting and gardening. These substances may be flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic.

Communities throughout Alberta participate in annual one-day HHW “Round-ups” and/or offer year-round collection facilities. Municipalities organize the round-ups and pay for collection of the material. Alberta Environment provides funds for the transportation, treatment and disposal of collected material at the Swan Hills Treatment Centre.

Since 1988, over ten million litre equivalents of household hazardous waste materials have been safely treated and disposed of through the Household Hazardous Waste program.

To view a schedule for Round-up days or permanent collection facilities, check the HHW Web site at www.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/aow/hhw or contact the Recycle Info Line at 1-800-463-6326.

Organics
Compostable organic wastes are estimated to make up more than 30 per cent of the solid waste stream in Alberta. This equates to at least 600,000 tonnes of material that could be diverted from landfill each year. Organic materials include yard and garden waste, kitchen scraps, lawn clippings and agricultural materials.

In 1993, there were three compost operations in the province; today, there are over 100. Most facilities are relatively small, dealing mainly with yard and garden materials.

Action on Waste has supported the Composting Council of Canada numerous endeavours, including the production of Composting fact sheets for compost operators and the general public. The department has also supported compost research being conducted at the Olds College Composting Technology Centre.

www.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/aow/orgcomp