Town of Banff

Waste Reduction

Banff generated more than 6,000 tonnes of waste in 2009, an average of 255 kg per person – or the weight of an adult grizzly bear. Only about a quarter of waste that could be recycled or composted actually is. This means that we can reduce our waste management costs and keep our park beautiful by diverting the remaining three-quarters.
 
Banff residential waste (2009)... only a quarter of potentially diverted waste is recycled or composted.

What we can do

• Reducing and reusing are important steps to diverting waste, check out our tips.
  
• The Eco Kiosk offers reusable alternatives, such as “eco” clamshell to-go containers, reusable coffee filters and recycling and organics bins.
• Know how and what to recycle, and learn about our new organics compost program.  Bag-to-Earth paper bags are a great way to collect organics, and are sold in Town.  Coupons are available at the Eco Kiosk.
• Paint, large electronics, and other hazardous waste can be recycled at our annual paint exchange and hazardous waste round-up. The EcoCoat paint sold at the Eco Kiosk is made from paint collected through this program.
• Other items, such as plastic bags, rechargeable batteries and furniture can be reused. Find out more.
  

What we have done
In 2009, Banff residents recycled approximately 12 tonnes of hazardous waste, about the weight of 100 Bighorn Sheep