Sundridge mayor Elgin Schneider appears moved by the unexpected consolation prize awarded to Sundridge for placing second in the recycling challenge. South River mayor Jim Coleman holds the more modest winner's trophy.
SOUTH RIVER – The numbers are in and the winner of the first South River-Sundridge recycling challenge, by a substantial margin, is South River.
Based on four pickups in March and four in April, South River managed to increase its recyclables from 5,920 kg in March to 7,860 kg in April, while Sundridge saw a smaller increase, from 7,160 kg to 7,430 kg.
“I’m hoping it stays up,” said South River mayor Jim Coleman, noting that he has been seeing more recyclables at the curb in both towns.
“We lost, I have to concede that,” said Sundridge mayor Elgin Schneider. “I won’t mention that South River has more people, that South River has more households, or that South River made up the rules and didn’t tell us what they were, although they were very up-front about that. I’m a good loser, so I won’t mention that.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that,” said Coleman.
Schneider suggested placing a thank-you ad for the residents, noting that it might encourage them to keep trying to increase their recycling. Coleman agreed.
“We’ll let the loser arrange that,” said Coleman. “We’ll pay half.”
When the time came for the presentation of the coveted recycling trophy, Schneider got a surprise. The monstrosity created by South River staff had become the “consolation prize,” while South River recycled a small, tasteful plaque for themselves.
“You changed the rules again,” said Schneider.
Coleman said that the rules state that South River can change the rules at any time.
“Just because you didn’t get the rules doesn’t mean they aren’t there,” he said.
“Now I wish I was a sore loser,” said Schneider.
It has been a good month for South River, waste-wise. In addition to winning the recycling challenge, the village also recently held its first “neighbourhood shuffle,” intended to lighten the load on large-item pickup days. Residents were encouraged to put their items out on the weekend prior to large-item pickup, to allow for some early treasure hunting.
“It was a pretty good start,” said Coleman. “There were a number of items that went to other households in South River. I saw some go within five minutes of being put out.”
Coleman noted that the neighbourhood shuffle might have gone better if the weather had co-operated, but it was definitely worthwhile and will likely be repeated.
“I think if we publicize it more, we’ll probably do better next year,’ he said.
Editorial
