Does the thought of dealing with a mountain of recyclables keep you up at night? Maybe it is time for a pre-spring cleanup of how you have (or have not) been organizing your recycling. Truth be told, it is easy for even the most savvy eco-warriors to become confused when it comes to recycling.
Here are some quick tips for success:
1. An overflowing recycling bin is not something to boast about. Reducing our need for single-use packaging by buying in bulk and packing to-go containers can go a long way to trimming our bin’s waistline.
2. Some suggested sorting bins include refundable (all beverages except milk and milk substitutes receive money back at the bottle depot), compostables (do not include compostable plastics of any kind), containers (metal, hard plastic and plastic-lined paper only), paper, plastic bags, styrofoam and “other” recyclables such as household batteries, smoke detectors, paint cans and lightbulbs). If space is an issue, favour bins for compost, containers and paper, as these are the most used.
3. Regarding the dreaded plastic bag, many are not recyclable in our system. Try this test: if you can poke a finger through it, it is likely accepted (at depots, not curbside).
4. City residents can use the biweekly curbside pickup service. Download the ReCollect App to receive email reminders or texts. A full list of acceptable materials is available in the Waste Wise Guide at letstalktrash.ca. Acceptable materials include metal, plastic and paper containers and paper.
5. All residents can drop recyclables and compostables off at recycling depots (Lund Hotel, Tla’amin Nation, Town Centre by Rona, Black Point Store and Texada Island) at their convenience.
While recycling is not the answer to achieving true zero waste, it is often a better option than the landfill. When in doubt, visit a recycling depot and check in with the staff. They are there to assist you.
Let’s Talk Trash is Powell River Regional District’s waste-management education program.
