Not only is the actual landfill area small, the Township is also required to cover the trench on a regular basis. The Township uses sand in the summer and snow in the winter to provide the cover. The covering of the trench is designed to help prevent the birds and elements from moving the garbage out of the trench. Unfortunately, it is a fine line between providing enough cover to keep out the birds and filling up the trench with sand instead of garbage.

Once the current landfill area has been used, the Township will have to apply to the Ministry of the Environment for permission to expand. A new ring of monitoring wells will have to be established. The Ministry of the Environment may require further studies of water and ground water which can be costly.

So obviously then, the more items we can recycle to other uses, the longer our Landfill will last. Paper and light cardboard, cans and number 1 and number 2 plastics can all be recycled. Although other items can also be recycled, there is currently no facility or company in our area that will take them. The Township does have a separate furniture pile and even a glass pile. These items are crushed before they are put into a trench. This compaction will help prolong the life of the trenches.

The second reason for recycling is obviously our environment. Each and every piece of garbage we put into the ground will contaminate or change it in some way. Reusing items delays the time it takes to make it to the Landfill. Reusing materials also ensures that we don't use up all our natural resources, including trees, water and minerals.

Plastics are the bulkiest material and fill up our recycle bin on a regular basis. Please check your plastics carefully. ReCool will only recycle plastic that contains a number 1 or a number 2 within the small triangle shaped recycle symbol. Not all pieces of a container may be recyclable. Check lids and containers for the correct symbol.

Please ensure that your glass and metals are placed in the appropriate laydown areas at the landfill. Glass is also diverted. There is also a furniture pile. If you are unsure where an item should be placed, please speak to the Landfill Attendant.

The Landfill cannot currently accept hazardous materials such as batteries, paint or tires. Only non-hazardous, household waste may be placed in the Conmee Landfill. Council is trying to set up a special depot, or collection day for hazardous material. Further information will be posted here.

The Conmee Landfill may be used by residents only. Non-resident property owners may apply for a time limited landfill pass to clean up existing garbage from a Conmee property, but in no case may waste from other Townships be placed in the Conmee Landfill. If you are a non-resident property owner, please contact the Clerk at 475-5229 for more information on temporary landfill passes.

• use programmable thermostats
• change weather stripping
• put in more insulation
• heat shrink wrap older windows
• insulate water and heating pipes
• use compact fluorescent light bulbs
• use solar garden lights for non-necessary outdoor lighting
• make your next vehicle a fuel efficient one
• use solar power
• buy local produce to reduce transportation pollution
• use ultra low flush toilets (6 litres per flush)
• use composting toilets
• use low flow shower heads
• use rain barrels for outdoor watering

• plant native species to reduce water and pesticide use
• buy a reusable lunch bag or container
• use rechargeable batteries
• use cloth bags
• buy windup radios and flashlights (a good safety tip too!)
• shop at bulk food outlets - bulk items use less packaging
• use refills when possible (such as ink and cleaning products)
• use your local library and rent or download movies
• buy from companies that package their product in re-useable containers
• buy products with no packaging!
• buy re-usable items whenever available
• use a garden composter (and make a garden!! It's good exercise for the soul!)
• use recycled products whenever available...carpet, clothing, glass, paper, etc.