Extreme recycling: pilot project off to good start

The first drop-off day was held Saturday and three more days are scheduled over the coming months. Residents were asked to bring items such as wood, glass and appliances to the city’s snow dump on de l’Aviation Road, just east of Sources Boulevard. Some of the items will be recycled, while some, if reusable, will

be given to community groups.

Resident Voula Vassilounis, while dropping of some old computer equipment and unwanted light fixtures on Saturday, said she is delighted to have the eco-centre in operation — and vows to return.

“There’s always garage sales but that’s not for me,” she said. “I hope they keep it up. I’ll clean out my garage on the other dates. I still have my son’s old hockey equipment and I also have lots of wood.”

Steve Rousseau also took advantage of the drop off — and actually picked something up. He brought some old stereo equipment and kid’s sporting equipment to the eco-

centre. While checking the piles of stuff already dropped off before, his eyes opened up when he noticed a Fender amplifier. After some negotiations with those running the site, he was given the green light to take home his find. Although unsure if it was working perfectly, Rousseau hopes to at least recycle parts from the amplifier at his store, Ampli-Tubes in Pointe Claire.

The city hired Kadisal, a recycling waste- management company, to operate the eco-centre, something the company has already done for Montreal. Other clients include McGill University.

After the items are sectioned off into different categories, from wood, concrete to possible reusable goods, Kadisal will transport the goods to its warehouse triage, said project manager Anthony Salvatore. From there, the company will further sort the items and then find an appropriate recycling company.

“We recycle everything so nothing goes into landfill,” Salvatore said. “We also give back to the city, like the mulch and compost we have here to give to residents.”

The city will evaluate the participation rate as well as how much and what is being dropped off during the pilot project to determine if they will fund the eco-centre again next year, Mayor Bill McMurchie said.

“Anything we can keep out of a landfill is a positive,” he said yesterday. “Even if it’s only a five-per-cent reduction, it’s a reoccurring reduction, five per cent every year. It’s not just related to costs, there’s an environmental factor as well.”

The remaining three dates for the eco-centre are Aug. 18, Sept. 22 and Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final free compost giveaway day will be Aug. 18. People are asked to bring their own bags or containers for the compost.