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Waste Management Services receives top provincial award for Halloween-themed community special event
June 24, 2026
A community event that tied waste reduction efforts to the Halloween holiday has earned Niagara Region Waste Management Services a top provincial award for its public outreach efforts.
Niagara Region received the Gold Award in the 2026 Municipal Waste Association (MWA) Promotion and Education Special Events
category, recognizing excellence in the use of public space and interactive design for its Trash-or-Treat event. During Waste Reduction Week in October 2025, the Region’s Waste Management team held Trash-or-Treat, a Halloween-themed, family-focused event promoting waste reduction. It featured interactive trick-or-treat learning activities, including reuse-based crafts, learning about composting pumpkins, a hands-on waste sorting game, and the opportunity to see a waste collection vehicle up close, along with our mascot, Phil the Green Bin.
The Waste Management team has been invited to present on the preparation, delivery and results of Trash-or-Treat to the MWA’s Promotion and Education Committee. Given the community success of the Halloween event, Waste Management plans to expand Trash-or-Treat for 2026 Waste Reduction Week, further increasing attendance, promotion and community partnerships.
The MWA supports municipal waste management professionals through knowledge sharing, training and networking. The MWA Promotion and Education Committee recognizes excellence and celebrates success through competitive annual awards.
“We are very proud of the outreach that Waste Management Services provides to the community and receiving this award from the MWA solidifies the importance and effectiveness of public outreach. Our Trash-or-Treat event attracted more than 100 residents and generated strong positive feedback, demonstrating effective community engagement. This exciting turnout from residents allows us the important opportunity to promote and educate the public on our various waste reduction efforts, such as the Green Bin program, that help us divert more waste from our landfill, supporting a healthier and more resilient environment. Further, this kind of outreach supports a key Regional Council goal of becoming a Green and Resilient Region – a key goal we strive to achieve everyday.”
- Catherine Habermebl, Director, Waste Management Services
Learn more about public outreach through the Waste Management Services presentation webpage.
Media contact
Jason Misner
Senior Communications Specialist
Niagara Region
905-980-6000 ext. 3250
jason.misner@niagararegion.ca
