The City of Edmonton is known all over the world as a leader in sustainable waste management. Eco Stations play a key role in this integrated system as they provide a way to handle toxic waste so that it doesn’t pollute the environment.
“The bottom line is we’re trying to remove hazardous waste from the waste stream,” says Kennedale Eco Station supervisor, Tony Colangelo.
“That’s the basic reason they were created 20 years ago. With that, we realized how popular they were and that we could create a one-stop drop off for everything from electronics to big bulky items. It’s quite convenient.”
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Colangelo started out working at the Strathcona Eco Station, and was part of the team that helped design the Ambleside station. Ambleside was the first Eco Station that was designed from the ground up, and when it came time to design a new Eco Station for the north east quadrant of the city, he was there to give input.
Residents of the north east now have an Eco Station that is conveniently situated. The Kennedale Eco Station is located at 5355 127 Avenue, joining three other stations that exist in other areas of the city.
Like other Eco Stations, Kennedale accepts household hazardous waste items for free including chemicals, paints and electronics. You can also drop off large items like furniture, construction materials or major appliances at a cost. And one of the features borrowed from Ambleside is the Reuse Area. People can leave their still-usable furniture, home decor, and other items for others to re-use.
“I get a sense of joy when people in need can go in there and get what they need. It gives things a new life,” says Colangelo, emphasizing that reducing and re-using have a huge impact on the amount of waste that’s sent to landfill. The city’s goal is to divert 90% of waste and by reusing, reducing and recycling, residents play a key role in achieving this goal. So far, customers at the Kennedale Eco Station are enthusiastically engaged in those solutions.
“They love it. Nothing but praise. Number one, they love the fact that there’s now one for the north east side of the city. And so far, people aren’t waiting much longer than it takes to talk to a kiosk attendant.”
“When I first started working here, I wasn’t sure if this was a career but I’ve come to realize what kind of impact we’re having, not just in the city but all over the world. It gives me a great deal of pride.”
For locations, hours and a list of accepted items, please visit www.edmonton.ca/ecostations.