It’s an experiment starting at this summer’s Party in the Park to show Chilliwack how easy it is to take food scraps out of the waste stream.
Chilliwack Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) is joining forces with the City of Chilliwack for a trial run of the city’s organics collection program, which is under development.
The project will roll out at the award-winning Party in the Park, every Friday night in July and August in Central Community Park, starting on July 8.
“We are looking to the people of Chilliwack to adopt this new initiative,” said Kathy Funk.
The whole idea is maximizing diversion, while minimizing the garbage heading to the landfill.
To make it a roaring success, they are going to need volunteers stationed at the special waste diversion stations like green depots on those eight nights. The volunteers will be specially trained by city officials in how to educate people about organics and recycling. Food leftovers will be deposited in one part of the bin, while recyclables and garbage will go in the others.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this great program and am working with the food vendors to also embrace this greening idea,” said market manager Mandy Watts.
A push toward using recycled utensils and plates by the vendors is underway, and some will be offering discounts for those who bring their own drink holders or coffee cups.
“Most people are willing to do their part in going green and this is what makes this program so exciting,” she said.
Bulk water will be made available for free.
Volunteer applications at www.downtownchilliwack.com