Table 13: Residential Organic Waste Reduction Comparison: 2017 — 2019

Residential Organic Programs	2019 Tonnes	2018 Tonnes	2017 Tonnes
BYC Program	3,988	3,953	3,912
Mulching Blades	1,343	1,343	1,343
Yard Waste (Residential)	23,707	23,421	19,099
Total Residential Organics	29,038	28,717	24,354

Notes: The mulching blade program was no longer directly offered through EWSWA after 2001. Even though mulching blades and mowers are used by residents in the area, it can’t be measured for the purposes of this report; therefore, no increase in diversion is indicated.

6 Promotion and Education

6.1 School and Community Presentations

In 2019, Authority staff conducted 24 presentations at various locations where 2,544 people from community groups, events, open houses, schools etc. attended. The emphasis in 2019 presentations was placed on how to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic.

6.2 Special Community Events

Authority staff organized displays and talked to area residents at various special events scheduled at the Horticultural Show, Earth Day Celebrations and the Truckload Sale. There were 65 special events serviced with recycling in 2019. Many special event venues have implemented their own sustainable recycling program throughout the season (April through September) and do not require the per event service offered by EWSWA.

6.3 On-going Public Education Activities

The Authority maintains a Waste Reduction Hotline (1-800-563-3377), a website ( www.ewswa.org), and an annual newsletter called EnviroTips which is delivered to each household and is available online.

E-newsletters are also part of the program as they are low cost and reach residents quickly and effectively. The Authority has 2,964 e-newsletter subscribers. Industry standards indicate that a decent open rate is anything between 20-33%. Open rates for e-newsletters are as follows: Truckload Sale 63%; Gold Box, 87%; Waste Reduction Week, 63%.