By Larissa Barlow

Larissa@thecrag.ca

Construction projects are going to get that much more environmentally friendly now that Banff has made material separation for recycling mandatory.

Council voted to make it part of its development permits that all future construction projects must complete on-site waste material source separation for recycling.

The town ran a pilot project over the year to gauge the effectiveness of separating recyclable material on construction sites in town. Construction sites on Buffalo Street and in Middle Springs used Rhinobags in place of large garbage bins to save space on the site while recycling.

Banff’s environmental coordinator Chad Townsend said space was a concern to construction companies because there is very limited room when building in Banff.

“There were some concerns about small sites. In response to that we want to trial these small bags,” he said.

The pilot project showed the bags need a stand built to prevent them from collapsing, but they still take up less room than a large bin.

Councilor Stavros Karlos said his only concern was appropriate communication with the tradespeople so they know what to do on site to enact the initial change of behaviour.

Townsend said each site would have to come up with their own plan on what works best for them. But regular “tailgating meetings” where workers get project updates prior to starting the day could help with the education process as well as consultation sessions prior to the development permit being issued.

This new requirement is expected to reduce the amount of waste sent to the Frances Cooke Regional Landfill.