It takes a community to keep a village clean and green, and businesses and residents in Fort Langley have joined forces with the Township of Langley to put litter in its place and keep recyclables out of the landfill.

A dozen black garbage cans were outfitted with special recycling trays that will collect used bottles and cans throughout Fort Langley, thanks to the success of a pilot project and a generous offer from a local businesswoman.

Mary Martini of Starline Windows initially approached the Township, offering to pay for on-street recycling trays in the village - a service that was previously lacking.

A little research was necessary, and the idea was presented to the Fort Langley BIA.

"They loved the idea and got involved," said Township Engineering Operations superintendent Phil Banton. The BIA agreed to assist with a pilot project and help with the data collection.

For 13 weeks, 13 temporary recycling containers were put out beside garbage cans. During that time, 7,480 refundable beverage containers were collected by community members and diverted away from the garbage dump, without any additional administration or operating costs from the Township.

Based on that success, permanent garbage bins have been fitted with custom-made beverage container recycling racks that were financed by Starline.

Three blue recycling bins have also been placed in high traffic areas and are clearly marked with internationally recognized recycling logos to distinguish them from the garbage cans.

The program is self-sufficient and assists the Township, as it does not require staff time or public resources to collect and recycle the containers, Banton said: "The pilot verified that the recyclables would not be a burden to the locals, as the recyclables are collected by people within the community."

In the past, Fort Langley residents and merchants counted on long-time resident Dallas Evans to collect their recyclables. Evans passed away a couple of years ago, but other committed people have been routinely picking up the deposited containers, bringing them in to a recycling facility, and keeping them from overflowing and making a mess.

"We are supplying the opportunity to recycle and the program is running itself," said Township environmental coordinator Ryan Schmidt. "Many people are committed to recycling, and want to be able to do so away from home.

"This program gives everybody the opportunity to reduce waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, and also instills a sense of community pride,' he said.

"Fort Langley is a popular destination and with tourist season approaching, the timing of these new bins and racks is perfect," Banton added. "This project works because it is collaboration between businesses and residents who saw a need and are making an effort to help the environment and keep their community clean."

The Township is also installing recycling collection racks, donated by Starline, in local parks. They're also looking at following the success of the Fort Langley on-street recycling project with similar options in other neighbourhoods.