A lot less garbage in Saugeen Shores is ending up in the landfill.
Public Works Director Bill Jones says since residents began having to pay for bag tags in 2008, Saugeen Shores now diverts 52 per cent of its waste away from the landfill, up from 35 per cent in 2007.
The overall amount of waste created has also gone down by 13 per cent, or over one million pounds from 2007.
Blue box use is up by five percent, and the amount of material being left at the cardboard depot has gone up by nine percent.
Jones says a lot of material has also been left at the new depots for styrofoam and flourescent light bulbs.
With less garbage going into the landfill, Jones says the lifespan of the facility has increased its lifespan to 15 years, up from 13 in 2007.
Jones says increased recycling, and a longer life for the landfill are a win-win situation for the town.
He says if increased diversion rates continue, the life of the landfill site could be extended even further.