Dorval businesses get onboard recycling pilot project

Just over 50 businesses on Lakeshore Drive and Dorval Avenue will be keeping landfills a little emptier thanks to a recycling pilot project the City of Dorval started last week.

According to the city’s communication officer Sébastien Gauthier, 53 out of a possible 87 businesses volunteered to try out the 360-litre recycling bins, which were scheduled to be delivered last week.

“We’re still waiting for a few answers from some businesses,” Gauthier said, adding the number of pilot project participants could still rise.

Up until now, the city did not offer businesses recycling pick-up. Those that wanted their recyclables collected needed to hire a private company. Otherwise, Gauthier said, most of the recyclable material would end up in the garbage, and subsequently in landfills. Now, those part of the pilot project will have their recycling picked up on the same day residents do at no extra cost.

Last year, Dorval also started providing the larger recycling bins to apartment buildings with eight units or more. Starting the pilot project for businesses was a logical progression, Gauthier said.

“It’s the next step for us,” he said, adding all Dorval businesses may receive the 360-litre recycling bins depending on reaction to the pilot project.

“I would say we had a good response,” Gauthier said. “I think it’ll be even bigger once people realize all the advantages.”

Jean Guy Aubry, who owns Bijouterie Jean Guy Aubry on Lakeshore Drive said he is happy to be part of the pilot project.

“I’ve been wanting this for a year now. We should recycle everything we can,” he said, adding the merchandise he receives at his store comes in a lot of small boxes and other packaging. “I’m pretty sure that every week I’ll be able to fill the bin up.”