The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Earth-conscious residents spared far more redeemables from the trash last year in a sign that recycling is gaining momentum in the community. Materials processed by the Flin Flon Recycling Centre in 2011 weighed in at 342.05 tonnes, good for an increase of 41 per cent over the previous year. 'This increase was reflected in every product overall,' wrote administrator Doreen Murray in her annual report. Murray delivered the news at the recent annual general meeting of the Flin Flon and District Environment Council, which operates the Recycling Centre. Record increase This marked the largest year-over-year increase in the nearly 20 years the recycling program has been operating. Murray noted that prices for recyclables held strong throughout 2011, with cardboard _ the most common recyclable received _ sitting at $100 per tonne for several months before dropping to $60. While recycling was up significantly last year, volume was about one-third less than the 502 tonnes processed in 2008. Last year marked the second full year for the 'red bag' program, where residents may purchase special bags, fill them with recyclables and have them picked up from their property. While the bag program is 'not a huge money maker by any stretch,' Murray said 'it is very much appreciated by those who wish to recycle but cannot access our depot.' 'It also goes a long way in enhancing our profile within the community,' she wrote. The financial picture in 2011 was 'constant,' something Murray said stems mainly from a City of Flin Flon grant of $9.66 per resident. 'They pay this grant out monthly and this helps immensely in the stabilization of cash flow,' she wrote. Murray also commended local businesses for their support, singling out Hudbay, where every department now recycles.
