Residents in Yorkton are embracing their unique curbside recycling program that’s been operating in the community for over a decade.
While other cities contract out to for-profit private companies, Yorkton has partnered with RecyclAbility Enterprises – a department under SaskAbilities – along with Prairie Harvest Employment Program (PHEP) to hire workers locally.
“The [recycling] bags on curbside are collected by Prairie Harvest Employment Program (PHEP),” explained Lyndon Hicks, solid waster and environmental programs manager for the City of Yorkton.
“The material then comes to SaskAbilities where it’s sorted with SaskAbilities staff as well as the Prairie Harvest Employment Program.”
Aside from helping individuals who face challenges with seeking and retaining employment, Lyndon said the program brings other benefits to those involved, along with residents utilizing the services.
“There’s a couple main benefits to it. First [are] the social aspects of the program, working with the youth and the different agencies,” …