March total – 34,544 kg
        Newsprint – 721 kg
        Co-mingled* - 11,476 kg
        Office Paper – 3,496 kg
        Cardboard – 16,281 kg
        Glass – 2,570 kg
        Books -  none shipped
       

Total for 2017 – 103,101 kg
Total for 2016 – 98,848 kg
Difference – 4,253 kg

* Co-mingled is unsorted materials sent to Winnipeg for sorting

Originally published Apr 5/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

The Recycling Centre is operated by the Flin Flon & District Environment Council, Inc., a non-profit organization. Its goal is to encourage environmentally friendly activities in our community. The recycling program has become the main activity of the organization.

As a non-profit, the Environment Council is not trying to make money.  All the money that comes into the organization is used to cover costs. Any money left over after expenses stays with the organization. 

Good business practices are still important for a non-profit. It must have enough money to cover expected costs if it wants to continue operating.

For many years, the recycling program finances were very tight. Flin Flon and Creighton provided extra funding to make ends meet in 2007 and 2008 when prices for materials fell sharply. The community wide curbside and business pickup services and cardboard recycling were dropped. 

In 2009 a public meeting showed strong support to continue community recycling. The Board of the Environment Council began to develop a better business plan.

Flin Flon and Creighton Councils agreed to a better funding plan.  

As prices increased, cardboard returned to the recycling program. Business and residential curbside pickups returned with a fee that covered the costs of these services.  Comingling most materials for sorting in Winnipeg reduced staff costs.

The recycling program finances are now stable. The Board of Directors watches how things are going. They will continue to make good business decisions as our community changes.

In 2016, revenue came from municipal governments (27%), pick up services (18%), recycling subsidies (17%), rent from Eecol (16%), sale of materials (9%), surplus from operating the Flin Flon landfill (8%) and from miscellaneous including fundraising and donations (5%). 

Note: If you are interested in municipal support or other history over the years, check out the Brief History category on this page. 

Originally published Mar 29/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

April 19, 2017 is the date for the Flin Flon & District Environment Council’s annual meeting. It will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Non-profit membership organizations like the Flin Flon & District Environment Council, Inc. must have an annual meeting to report the activities of the previous year, to present the financial report and to elect new board members.

These meetings ensure the organization is accountable to the members and the general public.

Annual General Meetings or AGM’s don’t usually attract many people. This is reflected in the fact that many organization’s bylaws set the AGM quorum – the number of members required to attend to make decisions –at five percent of the membership.

It is in fact, a golden opportunity to find out more about recycling.

The Environment Council AGMs are divided into two parts.

The meeting begins with an informative power point about developments in the recycling program. Awards are presented to supporters of recycling and the environment. Questions from the audience are always welcome.

The business meeting is after the refreshment break.  It provides information about the operational details and financial affairs of the organization in 2016 including the financial report. Members can ask questions and make suggestions for change.

Board members are elected to make guide and decisions throughout the year about the recycling program and other activities related to the organization’s goals.

New Board members are always welcome. The Board meets 6 – 8 times per year.
Memberships are $5.00/year for individuals and $8.00 for a family and will be available at the meeting.
​
There is information about the organization on the website www.flinflonrecycling.org. Check the ‘About Us’ tab. 

Originally published Mar 22/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

​Many people know that I promote community recycling. I am often asked recycling questions when I am out and about. Here are some examples.

First conversation:
​“Oh, I was going to ask you. Are coffee cans recyclable?”
“It depends what kind of container it is. If it is only plastic or metal, it is recyclable. Coffee containers  made of metal and cardboard are not recyclable because it is a mixed material. But all the lids from coffee cans are recyclable.”

Second Conversation:

“This plastic bag has the number 4 inside the recycling symbol. Does that mean you recycle it?”

“Unfortunately, we do not recycle any plastic bags or ‘film plastic’ as it is known in the industry. We cannot find a market for it even if there is a recycling number on it.”

The third conversation I overheard while eating lunch in a local restaurant.

“Most places give you money when you take in your recycling. Then it makes sense to recycle.”

It is correct that in most provinces you can get ten cents for returning beverage containers. In Manitoba, this is only available for beer containers.

In those other provinces, your beverage costs more. For example, in Saskatchewan you will pay a ten cent deposit and a six cent recycling levy when you buy an average bottle or can of pop.

When you return the container you will get your ten cent deposit back. The six cents is used to pay for the deposit system.

This is 14 cents more expensive than in Manitoba where you pay a two cent enviro levy.  It is used to subsidize municipalities for their recycling costs and pays for the free ‘Recycle Everywhere’ bins.