PENTICTON – GreenStep Solutions, with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, is helping to create a Business Education Program to improve local recycling. GreenStep is hosting collaborative business workshops and providing free workplace waste audits across the region.
Commercial waste audits show high quantities of paper, cardboard, and other recyclables still end up in the landfill. Communities have reduced business waste by working with the commercial sector to develop new programs and policies to encourage diversion.
Business owners and employees are invited to free collaborative workshops to help shape new recycling programs. All businesses create waste. This is a chance to help shape future programs for both municipalities and rural areas. Attendees will work together to discuss challenges and successes to increase recycling.
- The first workshop will be in Osoyoos on Tuesday, August 22nd at McKia’s Restaurant at 5506 Main Street. To register for the workshop in Osoyoos, email Andrea Mackintosh at andrea@greenstep.ca or call 250.212.5523.
- The second will be in Penticton on Wednesday, August 23rd at Boston Pizza at 1900 Main Street. To register for the Workshop in Penticton, email Tara McMillan admin@penticton.org or call 778.476.3111.
Both sessions run from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Complimentary snacks and a beverage will be provided to participants.
Any business in a municipality or rural area can also apply for a free business waste audit estimated at a $500 value. The audit will help businesses understand their waste streams and learn how to divert recycling out of the garbage. The waste audit expert will go through your trash to see what’s really inside. The audit will provide baseline data for your business and a stepping stone towards better waste diversion.
To apply for a free business waste audit, email andrea@greenstep.ca with the name and location of your business, how waste is collected now and a reason for wanting the audit. The number of free audits is limited and businesses are asked to sign up as soon as possible. For more information visit www.rdos.bc.ca.