The City of Wrenford has released its zero-waste strategy for the upcoming Benchlands Folk Festival. The plan outlines how the event will manage recycling, compost, and general waste throughout the two-day celebration at Benchlands Lookout Park on August 8 and 9.
Waste Programs Supervisor Ben Achterberg says the goal is to send as little material as possible to the landfill. "We are working closely with the festival organizers to place clearly marked sorting stations across the grounds," says Achterberg. "We want visitors to know exactly where their food containers and cups should go."
The festival will use compostable plates, cups, and cutlery. A dedicated composting station will handle food waste, while separate Blue Bin and Black Cart stations will collect recyclables and garbage. Large waste receptacles will be emptied regularly by City crews throughout the day.
Attendees are asked to sort their waste at the provided stations. If you bring reusable water bottles, you can refill them at the water stations located near the main stage and the family area. Single-use plastic bottles will not be sold on-site.
If you notice full bins or missed collections during the event, you can report it instantly by calling 311 or texting WREN311. City by-law officers and waste ambassadors will also be patrolling the park to help visitors sort their waste correctly.
After the festival closes on Sunday evening, City of Wrenford crews will stay overnight to clean the site. All sorted waste will be transported to the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility the following morning. The city aims to keep the park's grass and trees undisturbed, following the rules in Waste management bylaw and regulations.
For more information on how to prepare your waste carts for collection or how to sort hard-to-recycle items, visit the Garbage & Recycling section. You can also use the Waste wizard and disposal guide to find out where to take special items like electronics or batteries.