Manitoba
The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources has been working with Canupawakpa Dakota Nation since June 2018 to help assess their solid waste needs and help develop a plan for improved waste management and diversion. Two key outputs of this work is the preparation of a Solid Waste Management Plan, which outlines the staffing and training requirements, equipment needs, capital investments and community outreach activities required to ensure garbage and recycling are handled in a sustainable way; and the signing of a three-year MTSA with the neighbouring municipality of Pipestone for waste disposal.
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Canupawakpa Solid Waste Program
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Hiring a full-time Solid Waste Coordinator was key to ensuring improved waste diversion and re-use. Throughout the past year, Canupawakpa launched a household recycling program, used oil recycling program, tire recycling program, battery recycling program, and has undertaken community clean-up events that have resulted in the environmentally safe removal of large bulky waste, including 12 washing machines, 7 dryers, 16 stoves, 6 refrigerators, 2 deep freezes, and one air conditioner. The Solid Waste Coordinator has registered with a number of environmental stewardship organizations, which provide incentive payments and rebates for recycled products.
In the first 3 months, the household recycling program diverted over 2 tonnes of household products from the waste stream, and diversion rates continue to increase with enhanced public outreach and awareness. A couple examples of this include a Recycling Drive / competition, where the household that recycled the most received a prize; and, recycling bingo at community meetings have provided a fun way for community members to learn about different waste products and how to dispose of them responsibly.
The waste program in the community is continuing to grow, with plans for launching a community garden and compost program this summer. The community will also be competing in Recycle Everywhere Community Clean-Up competition with a chance to win $5,000 to support it waste program.
Some of the outcomes of this work include:
In the first 3 months, the household recycling program diverted over 2 tonnes of household products from the waste stream, and diversion rates continue to increase with enhanced public outreach and awareness. A couple examples of this include a Recycling Drive / competition, where the household that recycled the most received a prize; and, recycling bingo at community meetings have provided a fun way for community members to learn about different waste products and how to dispose of them responsibly.
The waste program in the community is continuing to grow, with plans for launching a community garden and compost program this summer. The community will also be competing in Recycle Everywhere Community Clean-Up competition with a chance to win $5,000 to support it waste program.
Some of the outcomes of this work include:
- Hiring of Full-Time Solid Waste Coordinator
- Launch of household recycling program and Eco-Depot
- Equipment purchases, such as waste trailer, waste bins, spill kits
- Registration with five of the environmental stewardship organizations
- Four Community outreach events
- Recycling drive
- Capacity building through training and mentorship