The Reeve of Hanover says when it comes to recycling, his municipality lags behind the provincial average.

Recycling numbers show that in 2012 Hanover residents recycled an average of 68.48 kilograms of material, while the provincial average was 60 kilograms per person. This number fell dramatically in 2013 but has rebounded over time and last year Hanover residents recycled 61.5 kilograms of material each, while the provincial average was 65 kilograms.

"It's more difficult for rural people to recycle than it is for an urban community because the logistics of just picking up and they have to haul it there themselves," says Stan Toews.

"If there's a provincial average, I want to be above it, no excuses," says Don Dowle, Manager of Finance and Administration.

Toews says Council doesn't know how to increase recycling numbers.

"We don't have any magic ideas," says Toews. "So trying to find some ideas, how we can encourage people to recycle more. But there's all kinds of issues I guess and things that we have to try to educate the people."

Meanwhile, in terms of garbage collection, Toews says back in 2014, residents contributed an average of 273 kilograms to the landfill. That number has dropped in 2015 and so far in 2016. Hanover is on pace to deliver 248 kilograms to the landfill per person this year which would result in approximately $5,000 in savings.

"Which is very good for the homeowner because the garbage costs get directly passed on to the homeowner," notes Toews. "So we hope that trend also continues because they save money if they have less garbage."

According to Dowle, it is expected that the per person garbage numbers will drop somewhat once the composting program is fully implemented. The composting trial projects have been expanded and will include all five communities by September.

Over the last few years, the community of Kleefeld has consistently produced the most garbage per household. Hanover Council was told this number is influenced by their Super Garbage Days, which is a service to residents needing to get rid of junk they have accumulated in their garage or basement.

Hanover has three communities that have converted to autobin pickup. Mitchell joined in January, while New Bothwell and Blumenort came on board in May. Kleefeld and Grunthal will be added in August.