It's Cool to be a C.O.W - Champion of Waste!
Look for the circular economy cow around Sherwood Park until the end of August.
Take your photo with the cow and share it on Instagram with the tag #ChampionOfWasteSHPK for a chance to win a $20 gift card!
Full contest rules and list of businesses here.
Commercial Organics Diversion
Institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) waste currently makes up 49% of waste produced in the County. Implementing waste diversion for these businesses will advance Strathcona County’s circular economy, waste reduction and climate goals.
A circular economy is one where we look at waste as a resource. And we manage all our resources by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible in their most valuable form. Conserving our resources reduces our environmental impact and is economically efficient.
Strathcona County is committed to exploring options to expand the Circular Economy as part of the County’s 10-year Waste Roadmap.
Commercial Organic Waste Pilot
During recent engagement on Strathcona County’s Waste Management Roadmap, the County heard from businesses that they have different waste management needs that come with different challenges.
Led by the Circular Innovation Council, businesses and industry generating food and food waste in Strathcona County were invited to participate in a food rescue and organic waste pilot that began in June 2024. This short-term pilot will determine waste management barriers, motivations and cost considerations for businesses.
These businesses have the chance to influence the development of future diversion strategies, incentives and regulatory requirements for the commercial sector in Strathcona County.
As part of the pilot surplus edible food is be directed to local social agencies while other organic waste will be collected to be turned into compost for local farms.
More information is available on the project webpage.
What’s up with the cow?
It’s Cool to be a C.O.W. – Champion of Waste!
The commercial food waste pilot, which was led by the Circular Innovation Council, explored waste management barriers, motivation and cost consideration for businesses with starting organics diversion. In a commitment to Strathcona County’s 10-Year Waste Roadmap, the County has decided to continue this pilot and the project has now been running for 1 year.
Businesses currently participating in the program are AMA Sherwood Park, A&W Baseline Road, Cena Catering, Everyday Food Co., Fortis Alberta, Joeys Seafood, McDonald’s (Ordze Road), Rosies in the Park, Roasti Coffee, Soup and Sandwich Co., Strathcona Food Bank, Troika Foods Ltd. and TreeTime.
There is still an opportunity to be a C.O.W. (Champion of Waste). If your business is interested please contact greenroutine@strathcona.ca
Champion of Waste Contest
To recognize the continued efforts of the pilot participants, a life-sized cow statue colorfully painted with food imagery will be toured again this summer at various locations near participating businesses until moving to The Pointe Agricultural Event Centre for their grand opening on August 23.
The cow symbolizes the circular process of how organic waste as food waste from businesses is composted and used to fertilize crops which then feed livestock on local farms
Residents are encouraged to check below to see where the cow will be, take a picture and post to Instagram using the hashtag #ChampionOfWasteSHPK for a chance to win a $20 gift card from various pilot participating businesses (Roasti, Everyday Food Co., Cena Catering, Joeys Seafood, Rosies in the Park, Soup and Sandwich Co., A&W Baseline, McDonalds).
Where to find the C.O.W
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The Strathcona Food Bank (255 Kask Rd) July 8 – 14
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Roasti Coffee & Everyday Food Co. (52 Brentwood Blvd) July 15 – 21
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McDonald’s (950 Ordze Road) July 22 – 28
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Fortis Alberta (100 Chippewa Rd) July 29 – Aug 4
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AMA (101 Bremner Drive) August 5 – 11
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A&W (222 Baseline Road) August 12 – 18
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TreeTime (260, 2121 Premier Way) August 19 – 22)
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The Pointe Agricultural Event Centre – August 23 – 31
Utilities
Phone: 780-449-5514
greenroutine@strathcona.ca