Eco Center

A constantly growing population made it necessary for the Cree Nation of Wemindji to find a solution to its increasing amount of waste. In 2006, following the suggestions of the population, a recycling program was implemented as a complement to waste management efforts already in place. Through the program, each home and office in Wemindji has a recycling box in which to deposit cardboard, can, glass and paper. The recycling has been a real success and in 2009, a new component has been added.

Wemindji opened a new eco-centre in the past year, enhancing its province-wide reputation as a leader in recycling. This new Eco-Centre is located next to the incinerator and is available to anyone, at anytime. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

The goal of this new Eco-Centre is to facilitate the management of waste and recyclable materials; making it easier to reuse someone's waste when possible. The eco-centre features four large containers for different types of waste: construction and demolition waste, metals, non-metallic bulky waste and wood. There is also a small plastic bin for glass, a barrel for hazardous waste such as batteries, old propane tanks and two smaller containers for domestic waste and recyclables. The community ordered custom made signs (in Cree and English) to identify the various containers of the eco-centre. In addition, Wemindji has ordered a number of containers to be used on construction sites to facilitate the management of the waste and recyclable materials.