Tackling the Whole Waste Problem in the City of Calgary

With so much buzz around residential curbside recycling over the past several months, you’d think that once we sorted this out, waste issues would be a thing of the past.  Unfortunately the situation is quite the contrary!  In fact, residential waste makes up roughly 33% of total waste, with the remainder generated by the construction and demolition (C & D) sector and what we call the ICI sector – that is – industrial, commercial and institutional.  The latter 67% of waste generated in the city of Calgary has not been a major focus of the mainstream media and as a consequence, much of the general public seems unaware of this reality.

Fortunately, the Clean Calgary Association (www.cleancalgary.org) has made ALL waste a major focus; providing programs that address residential waste, as well as ICI and C & D waste through a project known as the Calgary Materials Exchange (CMEX).  By delivering one-on-one service, CMEX helps in building relationships between companies that are able to exchange by-products.  While some companies approach us to deal with their recyclables, we also help companies that seek inputs.  In both cases, the waste material from one company becomes the input for another; keeping valuable materials from entering the landfill.  This will often save money, help boost employee morale, strengthen community ties and of course, improve the state of our natural environment.

If you’ve ever thought that you’d love to spearhead a program at your place of work but didn’t know where to start, here’s your chance.  A keen and knowledgeable person that can effectively demonstrate how a recycling program can benefit a company, the community and the environment, is essential in making it a success.  CMEX staff will work with you to find simple and cost effective alternatives to the landfill.  If you are interested in learning more about options available to you, contact us at 230-1443 or visit our website at www.cmex.ca.

The City of Calgary Waste & Recycling Services is a major funder of the Calgary Materials Exchange.