Abandoned items on your property? SCRAP 'em
August 11, 2010
First program of its kind in Canada -- removes scrap from private properties
The Strathcona County Environmental Advisory Committee is pleased to announce a new County-wide program that encourages the removal of abandoned products from private properties for proper disposal or recycling.
The first of its kind in Canada, the Strathcona County Reduction of Abandoned Products (SCRAP) Program is a flexible program that helps residents organize the removal of abandoned products on their own initiative. It offers information on how to safely dispose of, or recycle, abandoned products, including available removal services.
An increasing amount of abandoned items and metal materials are found on property throughout Strathcona County. These abandoned products include vehicles; household appliances; pipe; oil drums; scrap metal; and farm, yard and industrial equipment.
Many of these items contain petroleum-based products such as oil, gasoline, diesel, grease, antifreeze, hydraulic fluid and battery acid that will eventually leak from their respective reservoirs and containers. These contaminants have the potential to leach into the soil, and in many circumstances could find their way into the surrounding wetlands, watercourses, lakes and groundwater. This has direct impacts on water treatment costs, plants and animals, and overall public health.
“Most citizens want to do what is right for the environment, but may not know where this material can be properly discarded or recycled,” says Mayor Cathy Olesen. “The SCRAP Program educates residents about contamination on wetlands that results in having these abandoned items lying around, and shares ways to properly remove the materials to benefit the environment.”
For more about the program, residents can call Utilities 780-449-5514 or visit Utilities SCRAP Program.
The SCRAP Program is designed to be cost effective. It promotes partnerships and invites corporate donations to implement the program with little cost to Strathcona County taxpayers.
“I wish to thank our major partner, Shell Scotford, for its generous contribution and the sponsors Imperial Oil and GreenLink Forestry Inc. for making the SCRAP education and awareness program possible,” says Mayor Olesen.
“Shell is really excited to be involved in this innovative program, as it has the potential to make a huge impact in the County," said Randy Provencal, Shell Scotford Communications Manager. "I applaud the Environmental Advisory Committee for stepping out and introducing a program that could one day be the model for other communities across the country."
The Environmental Advisory Committee advises Council on issues related to the environment and assists the County with environmental policies and initiatives. It includes representation of rural and urban residents who are interested in making Strathcona County a better place to live from an environmentally responsible standpoint.
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Contact: Cathy Olesen, Mayor, 780-464-8000
Last updated: Monday, August 16, 2010
Page ID: 6501