Stonewall's taxpayers may save a bit of green, by thinking green. Mayor Lockie McLean says they've seen more and more people taking advantage of their recycling program each year, and that's leading to savings on residents' 2016 tax bills.

"Tax payers each pay a certain cost of that recycling, and it goes as a separate line item on the municipal tax bill. Because more and more people are coming into the program, we get more back from the province. Basically, the more tonnes you recycle, the more you get back from the province. We're very happy in Stonewall to say that in 2016 we're able to lower the cost to the individual tax payers."

McLean says there's a sense of pride in knowing Stonewall's taking full advantage of the program, adding the focus on environmental protection has been growing since recycling programs were introduced about 20 years ago.

"I think right now people are more conscious of the environment, and more conscious of trying to recycle. It's just become a way of life now, where a great majority of people realize it's no different than getting up in the morning and getting out of bed. Recycling's just a habit that everyone is doing."

McLean notes the recycling service could also lead to long-term savings, as less maintenance is required on landfill as waste is diverted away from those facilities.