According to the region, about 80 per cent of all Halton residents are now using their GreenCart and Blue Box on a weekly basis.

"I thank all Halton residents for their enthusiastic participation in the GreenCart program and their increased use of the Blue Box for recycling," said Halton Chair Gary Carr.

"While the final waste diversion rate needs to be averaged over the full calendar year, early reports indicate Halton Region is on our way to achieving the goal of diverting 60 per cent of waste away from the landfill."

Since the launch of the weekly Blue Box and GreenCart collection on April 7, the region reports it has received many comments from residents indicating their support for weekly collection and, in particular, the GreenCart program.

"Using the GreenCart to dispose of food waste has been rewarding for our family," said Burlington resident Claire Eggers. "We have learned that by putting our food waste into the GreenCart, we are helping to extend the life of the landfill site and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions improving air quality. By doing such a simple thing like composting, my family is helping to make the environment cleaner for future generations to come."

To build on the early success of the new programs and increase diversion rates, the region is preparing to launch a series of advertisements that will encourage residents to think about all areas throughout their home, both inside and out, when it comes to diverting waste away from the garbage and, ultimately, the landfill.

Ads will be placed in local newspapers over the coming weeks identifying materials commonly located in different rooms of a typical household and where they should go for processing to avoid the landfill. This includes the Blue Box, GreenCart, Charity or Reuse Centre, Household Hazardous Waste Depot and the Take it Back! Halton program, where residents can take items such as batteries, light bulbs and plastic bags to participating retailers to be reused, recycled and disposed of in an environmentally-safe way.

PROGRAM MIGHT EXPAND

"By embracing weekly collection of both the Blue Box and GreenCart programs, residents are diverting a significant amount of waste away from the landfill site and also contributing to help protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating useful recycling and compost products," said acting Commissioner of Public Works and Engineering Services Mark Meneray.

"Since the first phase of the GreenCart program has shown high rates of participation, the region is now beginning to investigate the feasibility of expanding the program to townhouse complexes and apartment buildings."

For more information on waste collection services contact the region at 905-825-6000 or visit www.halton.ca.