We’ve reduced our landfill waste by 85%
Earth Day 2017 release
Local school trashes its curbside waste in the first months of a new composting program
Montessori Academy students and staff reduce school’s landfill waste by 85%
April 20, 2017 – London, ON – Montessori Academy of London introduced a new waste management program in February. The waste reduction program is part of a new, innovative partnership with Orgaworld Canada. Since its launch this past February, the school has seen a dramatic drop in landfill waste — with 80-85% of the school’s waste diverted from landfills within the first weeks of the new program.
“It has been amazing to see how much of our waste that used to go straight into landfill collection now goes directly into our new green compost bins,” says Montessori Academy Executive Director Margaret Whitley. “Short of some wrappers and other odd non-recyclable items, the vast majority of waste is either compostable or can be recycled through the city.”
“Orgaworld Canada was very excited when approached by the Montessori Academy.” says Chris O’Toole, Sales Manager for Orgaworld Canada.
“If there is one thing that is certain, it’s the kids who are going to change the way we do things and I’m sure the kids supporting this program are taking these lessons home and telling their parents how to sort and dispose of their home waste…that’s how they will change the world! Imagine if every school and home could reduce waste to landfill by 85%?”
The school has been part of City of London’s waste manage program with curbside pickup; however, based on the type and volume of waste the school produces and changes to the city curbside pickup program, the school administration saw an opportunity to improve the way the school handled its waste management by introducing a compost program with Orgaworld Canada. Orgaworld Canada is an innovative and fast-growing organic waste treatment company that processes organic waste into energy, fuel and agricultural products.
“With Earth Day coming up, we’re reminded that we are responsible for the planet,” says Tina Sartori, the school’s Admissions and Development Coordinator. “We try to instill in our students at a very early age that they are stewards of the environment. In the past, our locations had individual composters, but that solution wasn’t ideal for the amount of leftover food our lunch programs produce.” The new waste management partnership is so much better for the school, our neighbours, and the environment because the compostable waste is gathered weekly and taken directly to Orgaworld Canada’s London plant by Waste Management London. “We’ve gone from 30 bags set out curbside each week for pickup through the city to only five,” Sartori explains.
The close proximity of the Orgaworld Canada’s London plant means the compostable waste doesn’t doesn’t travel far for processing, so the ecological footprint remains relatively small.
About Montessori Academy of London
Montessori Academy of London is a registered charity dedicated to providing alternative education choices to the London community. Since 1968, Montessori Academy of London has provided a world-class education that promotes academic excellence, and prepares students to engage the world as active citizens and successful leaders. Montessori Academy of London is the only fully accredited Montessori school in the London area that offers a continuum of traditional programs. For more information, visit www.montessori.on.ca
About Orgaworld Canada
Orgaworld Canada’s London composting facility was their first plant in Canada. It is located between Toronto and Windsor and includes technology designed to process organic waste containing little to no garden waste. The local authorities, in close collaboration with us, launched an organic waste collection program which primarily consists of kitchen waste and diapers.
About Waste Management
Waste Management partners with our customers and communities to manage and reduce waste from collection to disposal while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy.
For More information on this initiative and to talk to a school representative:
Contact: Linda Yovanovich, Communications Director
Phone: 519-433-9121 ext. 225
Email: lyovanovich@montessori.on.ca