MARKHAM, ON ~ Markham has been presented with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s (AMO) Peter J. Marshall Certificate of Merit for its leadership in waste management, including two key Zero Waste initiatives that are significantly reducing waste at municipal facilities and community events.

“Markham has been working hard to change the way we think of waste collection and disposal, and to focus on a Zero Waste model, which has significant environmental and social benefits,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Zero Waste may not be a literal target, but by aiming for zero, we are making much greater progress and gaining a clearer vision of how we can significantly reduce our future waste, and help Markham become a more sustainable community.”

Markham has committed to promoting, facilitating and modeling Zero Waste strategies as part of its strategic priority to protect the environment, and the development of its community sustainability plan. The municipality’s own facilities are leading by example. The Markham Civic Centre, with 400 employees, is the first municipal building in Canada to go Zero Waste. The Civic Centre and the Town’s facilities at 8100 Warden currently divert over 85 per cent of all waste by using recyclable or reusable material wherever possible.

“There is no doubt that Town of Markham staff are leading the way,” said Ward 2 Councillor Erin Shapero. “However, we need to get everyone involved and on board with the Zero Waste plan, to help keep our community healthy, sustainable and economically viable for future generations.” As a community, Markham’s current waste diversion rate is over 73 per cent – the highest waste diversion rate of any urban municipality in Canada. In recognition of this success, Markham’s waste management program has received a silver, bronze and gold awards from the Recycling Council of Ontario in the past two years.

In January 2009, the municipality extended their Zero Waste policy to include the more than 300 community and special events held at Town of Markham facilities every year. Event organizers are provided with a copy of the policy when they submit their special event application, so they can take action to use recyclable and compostable products and reduce waste.

Markham also collaborated with EcoMedia Direct Inc., the Town’s public space recycling contractor, to develop portable Zero Waste recycling units which can be easily dismantled, stacked for storage and transported from public event to public event.

“We are extremely proud of our business relationship with Markham,” said Erich Genseberger, CEO of EcoMedia. “EcoMedia remains committed to growing our portable Special Events Recycling Unit segment of our business, and our experience with Markham has garnered a great deal of interest and attention.”
“Markham’s innovative move to Zero Waste has been a process of change, collaboration and partnership,” said Mayor Scarpitti. “I’m proud of our Council, staff, partners and the community for working together to make our Zero Waste program a success. I am optimistic it will help encourage other municipalities and businesses reduce their environmental footprint.”

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and EcoMedia Direct CEO Erich Genseberger, are pictured with the P.J. Marshall Award and the special events recycling unit.

BACKGROUND
The P.J. Marshall Award is an annual competitive process organized by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Awards acknowledge municipalities who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in public-private partnerships. Submissions by Ontario municipalities are judged by a panel on their creativity and success in implementing new, innovative ways of serving the public.

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario’s 444 municipal governments. AMO  supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal Government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada’s political system.
-