Calgary Recycling Business Helps Clients Reduce Costs

Harvest Recycling, a Calgary-based company, is helping businesses reduce expenses by implementing waste reduction strategies. The company focuses on diverting materials from landfills, positioning itself as a partner in both environmental sustainability and cost savings.

Founded by Peter Olorundimu, Harvest Recycling began as a part-time venture in 2010. Olorundimu, concerned about the volume of waste entering landfills, developed the business to offer more effective waste management solutions. The company has since grown to employ seven full-time staff.

Harvest Recycling collects various waste streams from clients, such as food service businesses and retail outlets like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, and directs them to appropriate recycling and disposal facilities. The core of their service involves advising clients on simple changes, like implementing recycling bins, which can divert a significant portion of waste, thereby reducing disposal fees and potentially generating revenue from recyclables.

Olorundimu addresses a common misconception that waste diversion is costly or time-consuming. Harvest Recycling emphasizes streamlined collection methods designed to make sorting easy for businesses. They highlight that by analyzing waste streams, especially in sectors like food service where up to 80% can be recyclable or compostable, businesses can significantly reduce their landfill contributions.

The company has received support from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) through its Advisory Services, particularly in developing digital marketing strategies to enhance its outreach and client acquisition efforts.