city of guelph 2009 conservation calendar

Look inside for your Wet-Dry+ Waste collection schedule

Conservation Calendar

Have a great Guelph shot?

Community Energy Plan update January

Guelph’s Waste Management Plan February

Guelph water March

Bicycle Friendly Guelph April

Healthy Landscapes May

Home composting June

Summer water and energy saving tips July

Eating local foods August

Back to school September

Indoor water conservation October

Winter energy saving tips November

Holiday waste reduction December

Calendar features

First quarterFull moon

Last quarterNew moon

PHASES OF THE MOON

What's happening?Find out what City events and programs are taking place each month in the What’s happening? section. More information on events and programs will be available online at guelph.ca and in the City News pages in the Friday edition of the Guelph Tribune.

Making a DifferenceCheck out the monthly Making a Difference section to discover how the people and organizations in the city are making a difference when it comes to conservation. From big projects like the Community Energy Plan to smaller ones like the development of eco-friendly community gardens, Guelph residents and organizations are making meaningful differences.

Residents capture Guelph’s natural beauty

Guelph’s breathtaking beauty and commitment to green activities is a source of great pride. Do you have a photo that illustrates Guelph’s beauty? Send it to: Corporate Communications, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph ON N1H 3A1. Your photo may be featured in the 2010 Conservation Calendar or another City publication. The longest side of the picture for digital files should be at least 3,000 pixels and have a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Print photos should be a minimum of 8” by 10”.

The 2009 Conservation Calendar features photos from local residents and photographers that have captured Guelph’s seasonal beauty. Many of these scenic shots were submitted as part of the City’s ‘Making a Difference’ photo contest. Thanks to all of the photographers for sharing their unique view of Guelph.


United States Naval Observatory

Heffernan Street Footbridge

MANY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS in this year’s calendar are submissions from our 'Making a Difference' photo contest. I want to thank the citizens who participated in the contest, providing their unique perspectives on our beautiful city. Your photographs give us a new appreciation for all Guelph has to offer.

As you will read throughout the calendar, individuals and organizations in our city are making a difference for the environment every day through their conservation efforts.

Guelphites have shown they are up to the challenge of changing their habits to benefit the environment, whether by conserving water, sorting waste, or gardening without pesticides. Products such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, garden composters, and rain barrels have been enthusiastically embraced – often more so than in other communities.

I am proud to be the mayor of a city that continues to show leadership on the environment. In our strategic plan, we set out ambitious goals for the future: to have less waste per capita, and use less energy and water per capita than any comparable Canadian city; and to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the current global average.

One way we will achieve these objectives is through the implementation of our Community Energy Plan (CEP). Under the CEP, Guelph could use less energy in 25 years than it does today, and cut greenhouse emissions by 9 tonnes per person – even as our city continues to grow.

I hope you find this calendar helpful and inspiring throughout the year. I want to thank all citizens for your efforts to conserve resources. It’s one important way that Guelph is making a difference.

Karen Farbridge Mayor

On behalf of Guelph City Council, it’s my pleasure to introduce the 2009 Conservation Calendar.

DECEMBER 2008S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30 31

FEBRUARYS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 28

Arkell Trail morning fog by Angèle Gilbert

S M T W T F S1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

january

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Guelph’s New City Hall is green inside and out!Guelph’s New City Hall uses efficient heating, cooling, lighting and plumbing, and will meet the LEED Silver standard set out by the Canadian Green Building Council. Plants growing on the roof insulate the building. A living wall and air filtration system maintain healthy air quality.

IN 2007, Guelph City Council unanimously endorsed the vision, goals and general directions of a 25-year Community Energy Plan (CEP) that will put Guelph on the cutting edge for North America.

Realizing the CEP’s targets, Guelph would use less energy in 25 years than it does today – even with expected growth. It could also cut its annual greenhouse gas emissions by nine tonnes per person, putting Guelph among the top energy performers in the world.

Guelph City Council has ranked implementation of the CEP as the number one priority project in Council’s Strategic Plan. Integration of the CEP with City programs is underway. More than 60 individual projects are in progress as part of the Plan’s implementation, including:

» Building a combined heat and power generation plant at the University of Guelph, which would save 16,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

» Participating in a pilot program to help Natural Resources Canada develop a system to rate buildings based on their energy performance.

» Installing 1,000 solar roofs in the city to promote renewable energy. » Developing a green building strategy

and other incentives to promote energy-efficient development.

» Building a green fire station in the south-end that will use 50% less energy and 30% less water.

For more information about Guelph’s Community Energy Plan visit guelph.ca/CEP.

Guelph gets energized» Christmas Tree Collection» Keep fire hydrants clear of snow» Put your waste bags and containers

at the end of your driveway or in a spot shovelled from the snowbank

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Indicates Waste bag collection week for communities highlighted with yellow on map (see pull-out section)

Indicates Waste bag collection week for communities highlighted with purple on map (see pull-out section)

Week A Week B

New Year's Day

Collection is oneday later this week

MARCHS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 120 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

JANUARYS M T W T F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

Trail by Kirk White

S M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

february

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

School board tackles waste reduction in the classroom. The Upper Grand District School Board is conducting waste audits in its 71 schools to create Waste Management Plans to reduce the amount of waste created in classrooms, cafeterias and offices. Schools will also look for ways to reuse and recycle products to avoid sending them to the landfill.

Setting the path for waste management

IN SEPTEMBER 2008, Guelph City Council unanimously voted to adopt the recommendations of the Solid Waste Management Master Plan (SWMMP) – a guiding document that will help Guelph regain its status as a leader in waste management.

The SWMMP identifies waste minimization, diversion and disposal targets, and the short- and long-term initiatives to achieve these goals, working towards an overall vision of zero waste.

WHAT’S THE CITY DOING? » Recycling glass materials. Guelph’s new glass

sorting equipment will increase the City’s diversion rate by 5%.» Building a new composting facility to process organic waste,

improving Guelph’s diversion rate by 10%.» Looking at ways to improve waste collection in parks and

public spaces and at public events.» Helping residents connect with local organizations and

businesses that provide take-back and reuse programs.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?» Be a good sort! Keep sorting your recyclable, organic

and waste materials. » Help keep valuable recyclables out of the landfill. The City

generates roughly $3 million from the sale of Guelph’s recyclables, which then goes towards offsetting the costs of waste management.

» Reap the rewards of home composting. More than 30% of household garbage can be composted. Start a backyard composter for your kitchen scraps and yard waste.

» Reduce the amount of waste you produce. The average Ontarian tosses one tonne of waste per year. Buy items that use recycled materials, are produced locally, are packaged responsibly and can be reused or recycled.

» Keep fire hydrants clear of snow» Put your waste bags and containers

at the end of your driveway or in a spot shovelled from the snowbank

WHAT’S HAPPENING?



Week A Week B

Groundhog Day

Valentine’s Day

Family Day

Property tax instalment due


APRILS M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30

FEBRUARYS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 28

Web-footed friend by Deborah Wilson

S M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

march

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Green living on campus. In 2007, Guelph Campus Co-op made an environmental pledge and created plans to turn one of its student residences into a fully accessible 'green' living space. The student house features a rainwater collection facility, a greywater system and a green roof, in addition to many other environmentally-friendly features.

DID YOU KNOW that Guelph’s municipal drinking water undergoes more than 18,000 microbiological and chemical tests each year to ensure it meets the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards? In all cases, Guelph water continues to meet or exceed these standards. Take pride in Guelph water – it’s the clear choice.

QUICK FACTS99.9% Rating on water quality tests in the Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Annual Report for 2006-2007.

18.6 MILLION Cubic metres of water pumped in 2007.

1,700 Number of times you could fill a 500 ml container with municipal drinking water for the same price as buying just one bottle of water in the store.

GUELPH WATER ON TAPFor drinks on the run, invest in a stainless steel reusable bottle which you can fill up at any faucet. You’ll save money and the environment!

DID YOU KNOW…» It takes three litres of water to produce one litre of

bottled water.*» It takes around 3.4 megajoules of energy to make a

typical one-litre plastic bottle, cap and packaging.*» The PET bottles water is usually sold in require nearly

900,000 tonnes of plastic produced from fossil fuels.** The Pacific Institute

Celebrating

» Keep fire hydrants clear of snow» Put your waste bags and containers at the

end of your driveway or in a spot shovelled from the snowbank

» Pick up your Guelph Community Guide and register for seasonal recreation programs

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

130 years of quality drinking water



Week A Week B

First day of spring

Daylight saving time begins

St. Patrick’s Day

World Water Day Earth Hour 8:30 p.m.

MAYS M T W T F S

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031

MARCHS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

Arboretum grasses by Kirk White

S M T W T F S1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

april

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Guelph's newest urban forest. On April 25 the Rotary Club of Guelph (RCG) invites you to plant a tree at the Guelph Lake Nature Centre. The RCG, with support from the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Grand River Conservation Foundation, is committed to planting 65,000 trees over the next 12 years, increasing Guelph's tree canopy from 31 to 40%. For details visit www.rotaryclubofguelph.com. Planting a tree elsewhere? Register it at www.guelphforest.ca.

Bicycle Friendly Guelph

THE CITY OF GUELPH’S new Bicycle-Friendly Guelph initiative aims to improve the safety, convenience, and attractiveness of cycling in Guelph. The key objective of the initiative is to triple the number of trips made on bicycles by 2017. Be a part of it – go by bike!

CYCLING FACTS» In urban settings, it's often faster

to cycle distances of 5 km or less than it is to drive. At least 75% of daily trips made within Guelph are 5 km or less.*

» Three hours of bicycling per week can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%.**

» Save $8,000-$10,000 annually on the ownership and operating costs of a vehicle by riding a bicycle for most trips.***

» Never worry about parking.» On a bicycle you can travel up to 1,037 km on the energy

equivalent of a single litre of gas.****

SAFETY FIRST» Helmets are like seatbelts – they can save your life, but only

if worn properly.» Be visible and clearly signal your intentions when

cycling in traffi c.» Motorists are not expecting high-speed cyclists

when crossing a sidewalk. Walk your bike, or use the road.

» Be courteous on the trails and notify pedestrians of your approach.

For more information about the City's Transportation Demand Management initiatives visit guelph.ca/tdm.

* 2006 Transportation Tomorrow Survey *** Canadian Automobile Association** Trek **** University of Aberdeen

» Goods Exchange Weekend (April 10-12)

» Spring Watermain Cleaning Program

WHAT’S HAPPENING?



Week A Week B

April Fool’s Day

Easter MondayEaster Sunday

Good Friday

Earth Day

Collection is one day later

JUNES M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30

APRILS M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30

Flower by Amanda Inglis

S M T W T F S1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

may

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Creating natural spaces in our city. The Guelph Environmental Network has built a demonstration garden on a former hydro substation to help educate and inspire fellow residents to reduce their gardening footprint. The Palmer Street Ecology Project features a diverse range of native plants, trees and shrubs. Mulch is used to conserve moisture and the grass is cut with a push mower to reduce fossil fuel.

A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE GARDEN is best achieved by having a balanced ecosystem. Healthy, natural landscapes can be achieved with nutrient-rich soil, the right amount of water, and a diverse mix of plant species.

IMPROVE THE SOILAdding organic matter to the soil helps it store air, water, nutrients, and micro-organisms. Adding compost to gardens and top dressing lawns with compost in the spring and fall will improve soil conditions and promote healthy plant growth.

WATER WISELYGood watering practices will reduce plant stress and improve pest and disease resistance. Watering for longer durations less frequently encourages deep rooting of plants and reduces susceptibility to drought stress. Established native and drought tolerant plants often don’t need supplemental watering with weekly rainfall. A healthy lawn needs only 2.5 cm (1 in.) of water per week.

DIVERSIFY YOUR GARDENDiversifying the plants in your yard will create a more balanced ecosystem, attract pollinators to your garden, and reduce pest problems.

NEED SOME HELP GETTING STARTED?Contact the City of Guelph to book a free landscape assessment. A Landscape Advisor will visit your property to provide site-specific suggestions and landscape advice to make your landscape more water efficient and naturally beautiful. To sign up for the Landscape Assessment Program send an e-mail to [email protected].

Get gardening… naturally» Spring Yard Waste Collection» Spring Watermain Cleaning Program» Goods Exchange Weekend (May 15-18)» Outdoor watering restrictions are in effect» Healthy Landscapes gardening workshops» Fresh, local asparagus, rhubarb and spinach

are arriving at the Guelph Farmers’ Market

WHAT’S HAPPENING?



Week A Week B

Emergency Preparedness Day

Mother’s Day

Victoria Day Guelph Eco Days

Family Water Festival, Doon Heritage Crossroads,

KitchenerEnvironment Week

Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater

Festival week starts


Wet-Dry+ Waste collection schedule

Includes Make sure you don’t miss your Waste collection week – post this schedule on your refrigerator for easy reference.

» Collection map

» Collection calendar

» Curbside collection guidelines

» Sorting information

» Special collection programs and services


In Guelph, WET (green) and DRY (blue) bags and containers are collected weekly on your regular collection day, while WASTE (clear) bags and containers are collected every other week according to two collection schedules – Week A and Week B. To determine your collection schedule, use the collection map to determine which schedule is the correct one for your area. If your street falls in a PURPLE ZONE, follow the Week A schedule. If your street falls in a YELLOW ZONE, follow the Week B schedule.

You can also use the City’s interactive mapping system to determine your regular collection day and your clear WASTE collection week – visit maps.guelph.ca.

Once you’ve identified your collection week, check the calendar below to see during which week your clear waste will be picked up. The collection weeks are also marked throughout this calendar by purple and yellow coloured bars.

Please note: This schedule only applies to residents who currently participate in Wet-Dry+ curbside collection.

Wet-Dry+ Collection Information

JULYS M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

MAYS M T W T F S

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031

FEBRUARY

S M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 28

MARCHS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

JANUARYS M T W T F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

APRILS M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30

JUNES M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30

AUGUSTS M T W T F S

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31

NOVEMBERS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

SEPTEMBERS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30

OCTOBERS M T W T F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

DECEMBERS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

EASTVIEW RD

WAT

SON

RD

VICT

ORIA

RDVI

CTOR

IA RD

YORK RD

STONE RD

ARKELL RD

WOO

LWICH

ST

SPEEDVALE AVE

MALTBY RD

CLAIR RD

KORT RIGHT RD

COLLEGE AVE

SILVE

RCRE

EK P

KWY

HANL

ON E

XPR

GORD

ON ST

DOWNEY RD

EDIN

BURG

H R

D

WHI

TELA

W RD

WATERLOO AVE

ERAMOSA RD

WOODLAWN RD

EDIN

BURG

H R

D

GORD

ON ST

N

SW

E

FRIDAYFRIDAY

WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY

FRIDAYFRIDAY

FRIDAYFRIDAYTHURSDAYTHURSDAY

THURSDAYTHURSDAY

TUESDAYTUESDAY

TUESDAYTUESDAY

MONDAYMONDAY

MONDAYMONDAY

SPEEDVALE AVE

HANL

ON E

XPR

WEEKAB


Things to remember when taking out the trash...» Get familiar with Guelph’s three-stream sorting requirements –

refer to the coloured bags at the bottom of the page.» Wet and Dry bags and containers are collected weekly. Waste is

collected every other week according to your collection schedule. » Dry materials and Waste can be placed loose in a garbage can or

container as long as each stream is in a separate container that is clearly labelled 'Dry' and 'Waste'.

» When using bags, waste must be placed in transparent, coloured bags: Dry waste: blue bag, Wet waste: green bag, Waste for landfill: clear bag. Bags that are not see-through will not be collected.

» Items must be placed loose and separate in the coloured bags, not within another plastic bag. Bags that contain other plastic bags of garbage will not be collected.

» Dry and Waste bags and containers must not exceed 20 kg (40 lbs). Wet bags and containers must not exceed 15 kg (33 lbs).

» Wet waste can also be placed in a labelled container but it cannot be placed loose – it must be placed in a see-through green plastic bag before being placed in the container.

» All containers must have a lid and two handles; must not exceed 100 litres; and their dimensions must be between 24 to 30 inches in height, and no more than 22.5 inches in any other direction.

» Bags or containers must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day, and no earlier than 7 p.m. the night before your collection day. Non-compliant waste must be removed from the curb by 7 p.m. on your collection day.

» Place waste within one foot of the curb for safe and efficient collection. During the winter, place bags and containers in the mouth of your driveway or in a spot shovelled from the snowbank. Waste must not be placed on top of snowbanks.

» Dry sorting tips:

PET WASTE» Cat litter and pet waste are accepted

as Wet waste and must be double-bagged and placed loose in transparent green bags.

» Before pet waste can be collected it must be drained of all liquid. Large amounts of pet waste should be double-bagged to prevent bags from tearing open at the curb.

Curbside collection guidelinesCARDBOARD» All cardboard must be bundled and

tied and cannot exceed 3 ft in length or 2 ft in any other dimension, or exceed 20 kg (44 lbs) in weight.

» Cardboard can also be broken down and placed in a box that does not exceed the above dimensions.

» For your convenience, you can also bring large cardboard to the Waste Resource Innovation Centre at no charge.

SHARP OBJECTS» Sharp objects (i.e. broken glass, razor

blades, sewing needles, knives, scissors, screws, nails, light bulbs, etc.) must be placed in a cardboard box no larger than 2 ft in any direction.

» Tape the box shut, label it 'sharp objects' and place at the curb during your clear Waste collection week.

Wet-Dry+ sorting list (For a detailed sorting list visit guelph.ca/wetdry)

CLEAR for waste

GREEN for wet compostables

BLUE for dry recyclables

» Aluminum » Boxboard» Cardboard (flattened)» Glass (all colours)» Newsprint» Paper» Plastic containers (all numbers)» Polycoat » Steel » Styrofoam (large pieces)

» Food items (scraps, peels, bones, shells, etc.)

» Paper towels and tissues » Tea bags, coffee filters

and coffee grounds » Diapers and sanitary products » Household plants » Animal waste and litter

Items that are: » NOT recyclable (DRY) » NOT compostable (WET)» NOT hazardous» and can’t be donated Before you toss, think of the loss. Let’s not waste valuable resources.

YORK RD

DUNLOP

STONE RD E

WATSON PKWY S W

ATSON RD S

TAGGART ST

DR

Waste ResourceInnovation Centre110 Dunlop Dr

N

BULKY ITEM COLLECTION» Large items, such as furniture and appliances, are not

collected at the curb. You must bring large items to the Waste Resource Innovation Centre (WRIC) and pay the appropriate tipping fee or use the City’s user-pay Bulky Item Collection Program.

» Bulky item permits must be purchased in advance from the WRIC, ServiceGuelph (City Hall) or Operations office. Once you have your permit, call 519-767-0598 to arrange for pickup.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW)» Hazardous wastes generated in the home, such as batteries,

cleaners and solvents, and fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs are not collected at the curb.

» HHW items must be brought to the HHW Depot where items will be disposed of safely and properly.

YARD WASTE COLLECTION» Curbside yard waste collection takes place twice a year

– once in the spring and once in the fall.*» Yard waste can also be dropped off, free of charge, at

the Waste Resource Innovation Centre year-round.» Yard waste includes:

less than 5 cm (2 in)

ECO DAYS» Guelph Eco Days events include free electronic waste

drop-off, backyard composter and rain barrel sales, recycling facility tours, and city-wide goods exchange weekends.

» Eco Days event dates are listed throughout the 2009 Conservation Calendar.

PAINT+ REUSE PROGRAM» This seasonal program allows residents to pick up used

paint and other household products, free of charge. » The program opens in the spring and closes in the fall.*

TAKE IT BACK DIRECTORY» This online directory connects residents to businesses and

organizations in the community that will reuse, recycle, or safely dispose of a number of unwanted materials.

» Visit guelph.ca/takeitback to view the directory.

CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION» Curbside Christmas tree pickup takes place in January.*» Trees can also be brought to the Waste Resource Innovation

Centre, free of charge.

HOLIDAY WASTE COLLECTION» There will be no curbside waste collection on any statutory

holiday. Waste collection that falls on a holiday will be collected the following day and curbside collection will move ahead one day for the remainder of that week.

Special collection programs and servicesWASTE RESOURCE INNOVATION CENTRE

PUBLIC DROP-OFF Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.Closed Sundays and holidays

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DEPOTTuesday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and holidays

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed weekends and holidays

Facilities listed above are located at 110 Dunlop Drive.

SOLID WASTE RESOURCEST 519-767-0598E [email protected]/wetdry

Hours of operation

Wet-Dry+ Collection InformationHeffernan Street Footbridge

JULYS M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

MAYS M T W T F S

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031

Pink fl owers in Riverside Park

S M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

june

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Going carbon neutral! In 2007, school bus driver, Darryl Nichol, along with students from the Upper Grand District School Board’s Community Environmental Leadership Program (CELP), planted 2,000 trees to off set the carbon dioxide emissions from their daily bus ride to school. Trees were provided by the County of Wellington’s Green Legacy Tree Nursery.

Get the dirt on home composting

COMPOSTING IS NATURE’S WAY OF RECYCLING. Composting is the natural breakdown of organic material (kitchen and yard waste) by micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi. Besides reducing the amount of household garbage you produce, composting also creates a nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening and landscaping.

Adding compost to your garden, around trees and shrubs, and as a top-dressing on your lawn will provide your plants with an excellent source of nutrients. Compost improves soil structure, which contributes to good aeration and moisture-holding capacity.

HOME COMPOSTINGComposting is fun and easy, and your plants will reap

the rewards. To start a home composter include equal amounts of 'brown' (high in carbon) and 'green' (high in nitrogen) organic materials. Brown materials include grass clippings, dried

bread, sawdust, shredded newspaper, and coff ee fi lters. Green materials include fruits and vegetables, coff ee grounds, and crushed egg shells.

Be sure to keep meats, oils, diseased plants, pet waste, and dairy products out of the composter.

NEED A BACKYARD COMPOSTER?Earth Machine composters can be purchased at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre (110 Dunlop Drive) for $35.

VERMICOMPOSTING is an option if outdoor space is limited. It involves the use of worms, which recycle food waste into rich, dark, nutrient rich soil.

For more information on home composting visit guelph.ca > quick link 'composting.'

» Outdoor watering restrictions are in eff ect» Healthy Landscapes gardening workshops» Commuter Challenge (May 31–June 6)» Free transit on Clean Air Day (June 3)» Fresh, local strawberries, broccoli and cherries


WHAT’S HAPPENING?



Week A Week B

Clean Air Day


Father’s Day First day of summer

Environment Week

AUGUSTS M T W T F S

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31

JUNES M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30

Long beans and laundry by Bunny Safari

S M T W T F S1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Guelph residents show commitment to water and energy conservation. In 2007, Guelph Environmental Leadership (GEL) distributed Green Impact Guelph (GIG) Conservation Kits to 16,000 Guelph households. By installing a few simple products, residents have been able to cut water and energy consumption without drastically changing daily usage.

» Outdoor watering restrictions are in effect» Healthy Landscapes gardening workshops» Fresh, local peaches, beans and tomatoes

are arriving at the Guelph Farmers’ Market» Goods Exchange Weekend (July 31-August 3)

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

julyBe water and energy smart this summer

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED, bringing warm temperatures and outdoor water use along with it. During the summer, water use increases by approximately 30% due to seasonal watering activities. This increased water use not only impacts our water resources, but also increases the energy required to treat and distribute the water. Did you know that each cubic metre – or 1,000 litres – of water pumped requires approximately one kilowatt-hour of energy to treat and carry the water to the end user? Summer – with its peak energy demands – is a good time to look for ways to reduce your water and energy use.

SUMMER WATER SAVINGS» Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater.» Use a rain gauge to determine how

much rain has fallen – one inch (2.5 cm) of water is all your lawn needs each week.

» Follow the Outside Water Use Program guidelines for outdoor watering activities. Visit guelph.ca/waterworks or watch for outdoor signs around the city to determine the current program level.

» For more water saving tips visit guelph.ca/waterconservation.

SUMMER ENERGY SAVINGS» Use ceiling fans to supplement, or instead of, air conditioning. » Close blinds, shades and drapes during the hottest part of

the day. » Raise the temperature on your thermostat. Each degree you go

below 26°C significantly increases your electricity use.* » Turn off unnecessary lights – they produce heat and make your

air conditioner work harder. » For more energy saving tips visit guelph.ca/energy.

* Environment Canada



Week A Week B

Canada Day



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Strength and beauty in Riverside Park

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august

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Membership has tasty privileges. Once a week, members of the Ignatius Farm Community Shared Agriculture pick up a box of fresh, tasty, organically-grown fruits and vegetables – right off the farm. The food is grown without adding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and the farm uses about 30% less energy than others in the area.

Think global, eat localHAVE YOU EVER WONDERED how far your food travels from where it’s produced to your table? One study estimates that a basic North American meal travels 2,400 km from fi eld to table – roughly the driving distance from Regina to Toronto!

BENEFITS OF EATING LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD» Freshness and taste – Local produce tends to be fresher and

contains higher levels of vitamins than imported varieties. Locally raised animal products are noticeably more fl avourful, and retain a higher proportion of their nutritional value than imported foods.

» Builds community – Communities come together to support locally produced food and the people who produce it.

» Reduces wasteful packaging – Locally produced foods require much less packaging than foods shipped long distances.

» Reduces air pollution – A tremendous amount of fossil fuel is used to transport foods long distances, contributing to the release of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

THE GUELPH FARMERS’ MARKET has been a focal point of our downtown for over 180 years and features local fruit and vegetables, quality meats, cheese, baked goods, and arts & crafts.

Open Year RoundSaturdays, 7 a.m. to 12 noonLocated at the corner of Gordon St and Waterloo AveFree parking is available at Wilson St and Fountain St lots

For more information visit guelph.ca/farmersmarket.

» Goods Exchange Weekend (July 31-August 3)» Outdoor watering restrictions are in eff ect» Healthy Landscapes gardening workshops» Pick up your Guelph Community Guide and

register for seasonal recreation programs» Fresh, local corn, blueberries and watermelon


WHAT’S HAPPENING?



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John Galt Day Guelph Eco Days

Operation Power Down



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Speed River by Anna Swisterski

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september

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

It’s cool to walk to school! The Active and Safe Routes to School Committee has started several ‘Walking School Busses’ in local elementary schools. The initiative brings together students who may otherwise be driven to school and has them walk together as a group. Walking School Buses help reduce traffi c congestion and air pollution near schools, and encourage healthy and active living.

THE CITY OF GUELPH Walk to School Pilot Project works with Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) and four elementary schools to encourage students to walk more often – boosting physical activity while reducing carbon footprints.

DID YOU KNOW? » Walking 15 minutes to school and back can reduce the risk of

childhood obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and some cancers by 50%.* » Daily activity helps children stay attentive and productive at school.» in motion is an organization that supports physical activity

initiatives, including walking and biking to school. Be 'in motion' and walk your child to school on International Walk to School Day on October 8!

PACK A HEALTHY, LITTERLESS LUNCH» An average school-age child packing a disposable lunch

generates 30 kilograms of waste per school year!** » Invest in reusable containers. Avoid plastic wraps,

plastic bags, wax paper, and aluminum foil.» Use a travel mug or stainless steel water

bottle for beverages on the go. » Buy food in bulk – avoid pre-packaged

snack foods.» Pack a cloth napkin, stainless steel utensils,

and a reusable drink container instead of disposables.

» Pack whole fruits like oranges, apples or bananas; not only are they tasty and healthy but they come in convenient edible or biodegradable packaging!

» Do your part to reduce waste – start a litterless lunch campaign at your school or offi ce.

* Public Health Agency of Canada** Recycling Council of Ontario

Steps to reducing your footprint

» Goods Exchange Weekend (September 4-7)» Outdoor watering restrictions are in eff ect» Fall Watermain Cleaning Program» Healthy Landscapes gardening workshops» Fresh, local squash, apples and pumpkins


WHAT’S HAPPENING?



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First day of fall

Labour Day




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Wellington Road sunrise by Robin Bergart

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october

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Water Conservation 101. In 2007, the University of Guelph completed over $350,000 worth of water efficiency retrofits in seven high-volume campus buildings and community centres. Upgrades included toilet flush valve retrofits, installation of low-flow toilets, and faucet aerators in washroom and kitchen facilities. These water efficient retrofits will reduce the University’s water consumption by over 100,000 cubic metres each year.

Be waterwise at home

IN 2007, Guelph Waterworks pumped and treated a total of 18.6 million cubic metres – equal to 18.6 billion litres – of water. In Guelph, residential water use accounts for almost 60% of total water use.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES YOUR HOME USE? Conduct a home water audit to identify water saving opportunities that can lead to huge savings on your water bill.

» Locate and familiarize yourself with your water meter – it will help you monitor your water use and help you detect leaks. Your water meter is installed on your incoming water service and is usually located in the basement.

» Your meter is read by recording the numbers from the left to the right. In Guelph our water meters read in cubic metres – one cubic metre is equal to 1,000 litres.

» To calculate how much water different activities use, check the reading on your meter before and after a particular activity (eg. flushing the toilet, running the dishwasher, etc.).

» Fill out a water use log to figure out how much water you and your family are using. The average Guelph resident uses approximately 230 litres of water each day.

FIX THE DRIPSDid you know that a leaky faucet dripping 30 drops per minute uses 204 litres of water per month? The leak detector on the register of your water meter is a useful problem solving tool if you suspect you have a leak in your home. Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances and check the red dial. It should not be turning. The slightest movement means water is being registered by the meter and you have a leak in your home.

Customers are encouraged to periodically compare the readings on the inside water meter and the outside remote readout. Please contact Waterworks at 519-837-5627 if there is a discrepancy.

» Fall Watermain Cleaning Program

» Goods Exchange Weekend (October 9-12)

» Fire Hydrant Inspection Program

WHAT’S HAPPENING?



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Thanksgiving Guelph Eco Days

Halloween

Waste Reduction Week


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Thistle by Amanda Inglis

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november

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Using clean energy in our community. There are over 160 households in Guelph using green electricity to power their homes. These homeowners are doing their part to reduce their personal emissions footprint and support the advancement of clean, renewable power generation in Ontario.

AS THE DAYS GROW SHORTER and the temperature starts to drop, indoor thermostat settings and energy use begin to rise. According to Natural Resources Canada, heating accounts for nearly 60% of the energy used in the home. You can save energy and money by following some simple tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

WINTER ENERGY SAVING CHECKLIST» Turn off electronics at a power bar to eliminate 'phantom loads'.» Unplug old, unused fridges and freezers.» Insulate your hot water pipes.» Adjust your ceiling fans to spin clockwise – directing warm

air downward.» Replace dirty furnace filters.» Program your thermostat to

winter settings (20°C/68°F).» Check and repair caulking

around windows and doors.» Open your blinds, curtains and shutters on sunny days to take

advantage of the sun’s warmth. Cover your windows at night to keep heat inside the house.

MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY – CONDUCT A HOME ENERGY AUDITBy completing the energy-saving upgrades identified by your audit, you may qualify for rebates under the Government of Ontario’s Home Energy Retrofit Program and the Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY Retrofit Program. Visit www.homeenergyontario.ca and www.ecoaction.gc.ca for more information about each grant program. The average grant is expected to be more than $1,000 and will yield an average 25% reduction in energy use and costs.

Winterize your home to save energy and money

» Fire Hydrant Inspection Program

» Fall Yard Waste Collection

» Loose Leaf Collection

WHAT’S HAPPENING?



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Daylight saving time ends

Remembrance Day

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Snow covered branches in Preservation Park

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december

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

University’s recycling efforts score an ‘A’ on the 2009 College Sustainability Report Card from the Sustainable Endowments Institute (Food & Recycling category). To reach its waste diversion target of 60% by 2010 the University of Guelph has recycling containers and backyard composters available across campus, and special recycling programs for electronic waste, light bulbs, and batteries.

Dreaming of a green Christmas

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS NOW UPON US, and with all the excitement it's easy to forget about the amount of waste created during the holiday season. It's estimated that Ontarians toss about 900,000 additional tones of trash during the holiday season.*

Give a gift to the environment this holiday season by following these easy and festive tips to help reduce the amount of trash produced and help make it a ‘green Christmas.’

BYOB Bring Your Own Bag when you go shopping to avoid plastic bags. If you have to take a plastic bag with your purchase, reuse it.

WRAPPING ALTERNATIVES Use last year’s wrapping paper or gift bags to wrap gifts this year. Foam and packaging from gifts can be reused for shipping or mailing and old holiday cards make great gift tags. Get creative – try wrapping gifts in another gift, like clothing, towels, or a tool box.

GREEN GIFTS Give the gift of green this year. Gift certificates, concert tickets, and donations to charities are a few green gift ideas. Locally produced products also make great green gifts. Check out the Guelph Famers’ Market for gift ideas from local artisans.

* Ontario Ministry of the Environment

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS NOW UPON US, and with all the excitement it's easy to forget about the amount of waste created. It's estimated that Ontarians toss about 900,000 additional tonnes of trash during the holiday season.*

Give a gift to the environment this holiday season by following these easy and festive tips to help reduce the amount of trash produced and help make it a 'green Christmas'.

BYOB Bring Your Own Bag when you go shopping to avoid plastic bags. If you have to take a plastic bag with your purchase, reuse it.

WRAPPING ALTERNATIVES Use last year’s wrapping paper or gift bags to wrap gifts this year. Foam and packaging from gifts can be reused for shipping or mailing and old holiday cards make great gift tags. Get creative – try wrapping gifts in another gift, like clothing, towels, or a tool box.

GREEN GIFTS Give the gift of green this year. Gift certificates, concert tickets, and donations to charities are a few green gift ideas. Locally produced products also make great green gifts. Check out the Guelph Famers’ Market for gift ideas from local artisans.

* Ontario Ministry of the Environment

» Keep fire hydrants clear of snow

» Put your waste bags and containers at the end of your driveway or in a spot shovelled from the snowbank

WHAT’S HAPPENING?



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Boxing DayChristmas DayFirst day of winter

Collection is one day later


SERVICE/FACILITY PHONECity Hall 519-822-1260Mayor’s Office 519-837-5643City Administrator’s Office 519-837-5602Building 519-837-5615Centennial Pool 519-837-5620Clerk’s Office 519-837-5603Community Design and Development Services

519-837-5616

Community Services 519-837-5618Court Services (Provincial Offences Court)

519-826-0762

Economic Development 519-837-5600Emergency Services – Fire/Ambulance

519-824-6590

Engineering 519-837-5604Evergreen Seniors Centre 519-823-1291Finance

Taxation519-837-5610

Guelph Museums McCrae House Civic Museum

519-836-1482

SERVICE/FACILITY PHONESleeman Centre 519-822-4900Human Resources 519-837-5601Legal Services 519-837-5637Library (Main Branch) 519-824-6220Operations

Parks Maintenance Traffic

519-837-5628

Parking 519-837-5612Police Services 519-824-1212River Run Centre (Box Office) 519-763-3000River Run Centre (Administration) 519-837-5662Tourism 1-800-334-4519Transit 519-822-1811Victoria Road Recreation Centre 519-837-5621Waste Resource Innovation Centre 519-767-0598Wastewater Treatment Plant 519-837-5629Waterworks 519-837-5627West End Community Centre 519-837-5657

Who to call at City Hall

city of guelph 2009 conservation calendar

Documents

city events

guelph residents

city hall

beautiful city

city publication

great guelph

guelph tribune

difference photo contest