The 2008 Parks Waste Audit indicated that recyclables compose approximately 14% of the litter stream, making the disposal of waste difficult and potentially costly. Plastic materials comprised the largest amount of recyclables at roughly 7%. The reduction of plastic bottles in our parks would reduce contamination of the litter stream and reduce the cost of dealing with contaminated loads that are not accepted at transfer stations.
Will all parks and sports facilities be included in the 2011 ban?
We have identified specific sites that require an exemption from the ban (e.g. facilities without potable water) and have submitted this information for consideration by City Council. The decision on whether to exempt facilities or parks ultimately lies with City Council, who will make the decision prior to the spring/summer season in 2011.
Are other municipalities also implementing water bottle bans?
Numerous municipalities across Canada already have water bottle bans or restrictions in place in facilities and/or parks, including: London, Hay River, Yellowknife, Thunder Bay, Sault St. Marie, Sudbury, St. John’s, Charlottetown, Barrington, Sherbrooke, Cornwall, Ajax, Welland, Niagara Falls, Burlington, Oakville, Vaughan, Peel Region, Caledon, Waterloo, Windsor, Owen Sound, Brockton, Goderich, Shoal Lake, Altona, Nelson, Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Burnaby, White Rock, etc. For more information, http://www.insidethebottle.org/mapping-the-industry.