Sundridge mayor Elgin Schneider and South River mayor Jim Coleman.
SUNDRIDGE – Let’s get ready to recycle!
South River council has thrown down the garbage gauntlet, and Sundridge has picked it up. The question is, which box is it going in?
The two neighbouring towns are gearing up for a “recycling duel” to see who can reduce their waste and increase their recycling the most during the month of April.
“We want to develop more of an awareness in the community,” said South River mayor Jim Coleman. “We are down in our waste numbers, but I think we can do more.”
“More recycling, that’s what it’s about,” agreed Sundridge mayor Elgin Schneider. “Getting more out of the garbage and into the blue and green boxes.”
The month-long competition has been planned to coincide with Pitch-In Canada Week, April 21 to 27. Both municipalities are serviced by Muskoka Containerized Services, who will provide a report in May. The community with the greater increase in recyclables will be declared the winner.
“There is a recycling trophy that one of our town staff has put together,” said Coleman. “It’s all made of recycled stuff.”
The recycling trophy is a work in progress, according to financial clerk Patty Thoma. She has salvaged the base of a large trophy, and is now looking for pieces of other old trophies to mount on it. The plan is to have a chaotic mix of sports and other trophy figures.
It will be the sad duty of the losing mayor to present this magnificent and prestigious award to his victorious counterpart.
“I told Jim, be prepared to make a presentation,” Schneider joked.
“Just between you and me, we’re going to win this,” Coleman told the Forester.
Some very amusing strategies have been tossed around, as South River plotted to issue the rules of the contest well after it had begun, and Sundridge pondered the idea of collecting no recyclables in March and no garbage in April. All kidding aside, they’re hoping this friendly little contest will encourage residents to think about what they’re throwing out and where it’s going.
Accomplishing these goals will require leadership from both Sundridge and South River, ensuring that the public is on board and everyone knows what they can do to participate.
“We’ve got to get the word out,” said Schneider.
Editorial
