Media Release
For Immediate Release
June 14, 2008

Markham Takes Another Step Toward Zero Waste
Portable recycling units for Markham's special events

Markham is the first municipality in Canada with the launch of portable recycling bins at all its special events. Marking the occasion at the East Cathedral park opening are: (from left) Erich Genseberger, CEO of EcoMedia, Regional Councillor Tony C. Wong, Craig Marwood, President of EcoMedia Direct, Ward 6 Councillor Dan Horchik, Ward 4 Councillor Carolina Moretti, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, with staff from Markham's Waste Management and Fire and Emergency Services. (Photo – Stephanie Lake)

Markham, ON ~ Markham's move to zero waste has taken another step with the introduction of portable recycling bins at all its special events.

"It's another first for Markham; another way that we're going green. We're the first municipal users of this portable, environmentally friendly unit that can be installed anywhere at our events," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "These units allow everyone to recycle, on the spot, when they're at an event, the same way they do at home. They help everyone keep the events cleaner and litter free."

The units will be used at park openings, picnics, community festivals, fairs and gatherings. Markham has more than 300 community events each year.

EcoMedia Direct Inc designed and produced the patent-pending unit. Called a Special Events Recycling™ Unit – after use at events, the unit collapses and is stored away until the next special event. Markham now has several of these leading-edge portable units, which will be used at all future community and town events.

"Our unit makes out-of-home recycling fully accessible to everyone in the community. Event organizers, and the people who attend these events or gatherings, are demanding recycling solutions versus waste receptacles where discarded materials end up in landfills, following the event," said Erich Genseberger, CEO of EcoMedia Direct Inc.

"It's another innovative way that we can have recycling available everywhere in Markham. Our goal is zero waste. It's what our residents demand. It's what's best for the community and for the environment," said Mayor Scarpitti.

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Markham, a municipality of more than 285,000 residents, is Canada’s most diverse community. Renowned for a rich heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods and environmental leadership, Markham is also the home of many of Canada’s leading life science and technology businesses.

Media Contact:
Dennis Flaherty, Corporate Communications
Tel: 905-415-7520
Email: dflaherty@markham.ca

EcoMedia owns and operates over 3,600 SilverBox™ Public Space Recycling Units strategically deployed across Toronto, Markham and the Toronto District School Board. EcoMedia’s "three stream" recycling units have successfully diverted tens of thousands of tons of recyclable solid waste materials away from landfill since 1999.