Zero Waste April Newsletter

Banff strives to be a model environmental community and we need community members like yourself to help us lead the charge.

Learn fascinating facts below about what really happens in the recycling world, how to get involved with zero waste initiatives, and tips from the pros to shrink your garbage at home.

If you know others who would enjoy receiving this newsletter, have them sign up at banff.ca/notify.

Did you know that Earth Day is coming up on April 22? The theme of Earth Day 2021 is Restore Our Earth which highlights the fact that, as the world returns to normal, we can't go back to “business-as-usual.”

Here are a few things you can do to get on the Zero Waste Trail this Earth Day:

Shop local and sustainable: support a Zero Waste Trailblazer business
Get involved with one of our fantastic community organizations:

Drop off your hazardous items at the Waste Transfer Site, 160 Hawk Avenue. Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. – 3p.m. Learn what’s accepted at banffzerowastetrail.ca.

Sign up for the Community Cleanup:

Register as a household to participate in a COVID-safe Earth Day cleanup community initiative. Each participating household will pick up litter between April 22 - 25 in a designated area of our community. The Town can drop-off or you can pick up a litter cleanup kits before April 22. Litter can be sorted and placed in nearby residential garbage and recycling bins. Information on how to sort and where bins are, can be found visit banffzerowastetrail.ca.

Take a photo of your household's work and send it in to recreation@banff.ca for a chance to win one of three, one-hour canoe rentals from Banff Adventures!

Banff’s fantastic zero waste ‘do-ers’ have shown us that every day is Earth Day in Banff, as they never say no to trying new ideas and finding ways to improve on their amazing environmental efforts. So for this year’s Earth Day, we’d like to celebrate you and everything you do! Thank you.

Spring Cleaning 101 – Avoid the Crime!

Spring is in the air! With the seasonal transition upon us and many residents doing spring cleaning, we’re asking all Banffites to keep re-use options top of mind, and keep Banff’s free of illegal dumping!

Due to rising COVID-19 cases, the Re-Use It Centre is temporarily closed. But, you can look online at https://www.banffzerowastetrail.ca/what-goes-where-tool/ to find out what goes where when recycling. And if you need help with large items, Banff’s Unwanted Item service is available as always. Visit banff.ca/Pickup to schedule a pickup.

Interview with Town of Banff Re-Use It Intern

The Town of Banff recently received a grant from Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CiCAN) under the Impact Internship program to hire an intern to work on re-use and improving the circular economy in Banff. Internships under this program advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which Banff is working on as we strive to become a model environmental community.

Kinsey Elliott, Re-Use It Intern, has spent the last couple of months working to re-open the centre, and exploring the Town’s future vision of a centralized hub for re-use, sharing, lending and other ‘circular’ initiatives. To inspire you to re-use in this seasonal transition, Kinsey shared some insights via her experience in the fascinating world of re-use in Banff!

What are the most common items being donated?
Kitchenware, dishes, glasses, small appliances, and furniture.

And being collected?
Furniture seems to be the most popular thing that people are looking for, as it is difficult to find elsewhere in Banff.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve seen yet?
A reptile tank set up was donated. The most interesting thing about that situation was that the tank was picked up immediately, which I didn’t expect. It seemed like a very niche item!

What is the best part about working at the Re-Use It Centre?
Talking to residents and being a part of a space that allows people to re-use items. Seeing people discover the space for the first time and access items for free is very rewarding. It has been great to get to know the passionate regulars, too!

Want to support a local zero waste business?

Zero Waste Trailblazers are selected based on 10 categories and 20 certification criteria relating to waste reduction and diversion practices, measured results, and related environmental protection initiatives. Businesses must score higher than 16 points (80%) to achieve Trailblazer status. All the ranking categories are listed at BanffZeroWasteTrail.ca along all the local businesses who have earned this award.

Interview with Botega Salon
We caught up with Meg Taylor of Botega Salon to hear about why zero waste is important to her as a salon owner in Banff National Park:

TOB: What motivates you to be a zero waste business?

BOTEGA: With the current situation of our planet and waste that is happening due to the pandemic, this is more important now than ever.

TOB: What do you still find challenging when it comes to zero waste?

BOTEGA: We don't really have any struggles, through our partnership with Green Circle Salons, we are recovering and repurposing 95% of beauty, and Flying Pigs recycling plastic, tin foil & glass, the Town of Banff collects our food waste, if our shop dog doesn't dispose of it, they also collect our cardboard. We are surround by recycling options.

TOB: What are you most proud of when it comes to your zero waste initiatives?

BOTEGA: We are doing our part for the environment and ourselves. My biggest goal in life is to be a minimalist and to take care of mother earth as much as we can.

TOB: Did achieving Trailblazer status change anything for your business?

BOTEGA: Yes it put us on the map for Zero Waste, and has helped attract a clientele of like minded people.

TOB: What would be your #1 tip for other businesses (or residents) in Banff?

BOTEGA: Definitely get on board with this, whether or not it is something you believe in!

Make an appointment at Botega

Metal propping arms are being removed from food waste bins due to wildlife concerns and reports of injury.

Food bin doors are frequently left propped open by the arms, causing a wildlife attractant. We have also received complaints from residents who have badly injured their fingers when placing and removing the arms.

To avoid having to prop doors open, residents are encouraged to line their food recycling bins with BPI certified compostable bags to make it easier to dispose of food waste in bins.

Got an obscure item that you have no idea how to recycle?

The Zero Waste Digital Trail Guide is your Banff-specific waste “google” for all things recycling, compost, and garbage. Check it out!

Get in touch:

Email us: zerowaste@Banff.ca
Learn more: BanffZeroWasteTrail.ca