PUSLINCH – A recycling program funded by Nestlé Waters Canada is now running in Puslinch after being delayed by COVID-19.
Blue and black dual-recycling bins have been placed in outdoor spaces such as local parks and the community centre with indoor bins expected when COVID restrictions are eased.
The program, designed by Reclay StewardEdge and Recycle Everywhere, was approved by Puslinch council in early February with Nestle providing $50,000 in funding.
Bins were originally scheduled to be placed in April but were delayed out of caution for the health and safety of public works, parks and facilities teams.
Locations were chosen after Nestlé identified a gap in recycling infrastructure in high traffic areas around Puslinch.
“Public space recycling, especially in parks and at arenas, is a critical need in Puslinch and programs such as these are vitally important,” said Ken Friesen, president of Reclay StewardEdge.
A similar program was successful in the Town of Erin. A press release said the recovery of beverage containers in the town increased by 87 per cent.
Jennifer Kerr, director of corporate affairs at Nestlé Waters Canada, said in a press release that the company is proud to launch this program in Puslinch where they have been headquartered since 2000.
“We have seen firsthand this program’s positive impacts on recycling rates in communities across Canada and are glad to make a positive, lasting contribution to the community’s recycling infrastructure in public spaces,” Kerr said in a press release.
Nestlé's Pure Life water bottling business, along with the Aberfoyle plant, have recently been purchased in a tentative deal by Ice River Springs. In a follow-up email, Kerr explained that all bins provided to the town are permanent and Ice River Springs will review all programs once the sale closes.
