Recycling Container Case Study
Single Container Enables Canada’s Largest Convention Center to Manage all Recyclables and Compost
Dave Jarrett
Direct Energy Centre, situated at Toronto’s Exhibition Place, is Canada’s largest facility for conventions, exhibitions and events. With more than one million square feet of convention space and millions of visitors, the Centre has implemented a highly successful recycling program. This was not always the case, as the Centre once collected only bottles and cans from the public. The rest went into the trash. In 2002 the city of Toronto mandated a diversion rate of 70 percent by 2010. For much of that time, Direct Energy Centre has relied on CleanRiver Recycling Solutions (formerly Midpoint International) to supply interior and exterior recycling containers, creative graphics, and program consultation that are tailored to specific waste stream management requirements. “Initially, we liked their recycling containers because they are a green product, made of recycled material,” says Mike DiMaso, Senior Facility Coordinator. “They have helped us all along the way with new products, graphics, and strategic advice that make our recycling program work even better.”
Direct Energy Centre has fully embraced organic recycling by instituting compostable hot and cold cups, lids and straws, plates, napkins, utensils, salad packaging and dressing containers, and wraps and sandwich packaging in all of the venue’s concession stands. In addition to organics and compostable materials, the waste stream in public areas includes bottles and cans, paper and trash. “This is what visitors have and what they need to get rid of,” DiMaso explains.
One key to successfully managing such a complex waste stream is the Excel Series 50recycling bin from CleanRiver. Constructed with long-lasting plastic lumber made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), these containers feature sturdy 2″ by 2″ post-and-panel construction that conceals four rigid liners to provide the volume capacity required for each stream. Each of the four containers is labeled as to which materials it accepts and uses a specific restricted opening to maximize efficiency and minimize waste stream cross-contamination.
As with all recycling, individuals themselves must decide whether to put recyclable materials in the correct bin—or just toss everything in the trash. “Even with a fairly complex four-stream process, the CleanRiver system allows them to decide very quickly. These containers give people very clear options so they can do what is right and recycle,” says DiMaso.
A critical component of this successful recycling program is the graphic labeling that is prominently displayed on each unit. Direct Energy Centre works closely with CleanRiver’s design team to create the most effective signage. “Because we have a multi-cultural, multi-lingual clientele, we like to use photos to show exactly what goes where,” DiMaso explains. “We have found that this approach is especially good at demonstrating what goes into the composting stream.”
The program has been highly successful. Since it began working with CleanRiver, Direct Energy Centre has seen its waste diversion rate rise to just under 85 percent, well above the mandated target. What’s more, according to DiMaso, “People have really embraced recycling and are much more inclined to do the right thing. We know this because there has been a demonstrable reduction in contamination of the waste stream.”
Dave Jarrett is President of CleanRiver Recycling Solutions. For more information, call (888) 646-4246 or visitwww.cleanriver.com