Iqaluit group promotes recycling

IQALUIT — An environmental group in Iqaluit is urging the city to recycle rather than burn its garbage.

Citizens for a Clean Iqaluit told the council this week that there are alternatives to burning garbage. Marcel Mason, a member of the group, said the city should encourage residents to separate metals and plastics, and to recycle their paper.

The group also suggested the city start fining local businesses that aren’t keeping their property clean.

“The residents, the businesses and the organizations in the community are responsible for the waste they generate,” Mason said at the Aug. 14 meeting.
Councillor Keith Irving applauded the group for their work to clean up the city.

“My feeling is that the political will is here,” Irving added. “We have to find the financial resources to do it.”

In the city’s defence, Matthew Hough pointed out that the council and administration have started a number of clean-up initiatives, including a paper-recycling program and a garbage separation program. Hough, the city’s director of public works, said they’re also working to get an incinerator operating in Iqaluit by 2003.