There are many variables that come into play when deciding on whether or not to recycle something. Waste management recycling items like different coloured bins, multiple types of plastic, greasy cardboard and many other elements can be confusing when selecting to add it to your blue bin or garbage. We have a couple of tips to look out for when separating your plastic from your trash. 

The Symbols On All Plastic Containers.

Although it may seem like the symbols on all plastic containers are there to confuse you, they act as a guide to understanding the recycling world. The symbols printed on plastic items identify what items are made of. The resin identification coding system is used to control and identify the types of plastic that are recyclable. This system is critical for our day to day lives and often gets overlooked based on the fact that there is little general knowledge on the subject. 

Businesses that work with large volumes of could greatly benefit from the resin identification symbols. This would ensure that they recycle them properly instead of tossing them into dumpsters and landfills. 

Highlighting That Since All Municipalities Are Different, It’s Important To Stay Informed In Your Specific Location.

Depending on your location, there will be different rules and guidelines that your municipality will have to follow. Waste and recycling management is mandated by the provincial government but will differentiate between towns. Depending on the region, it will develop a local guideline outlining, curbside collection, depot drop-off, pay-as-you-throw or any combination of these identifiers, as long as the program is compliant with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act. 

Whenever you have a particular question about recycling in your municipality, it is always important to check your township’s website in order to identify the recycling guidelines correctly. 

Things You Should Never Put Into Recycling Bins (I.e. Plastic Bags, Take Out Food Containers Etc)

Recycling is very good for the earth, but when there is even one item in a recycling bin that shouldn’t be there, the entire container might not be taken from waste workers. There are a couple of things that some people may think are recyclable but should not actually be recycled. Here are a some items that you should never put into recycling bins:

• Pizza Boxes: The grease on the box cannot be separated during the recycling process. 
• Take-Out Containers: Be sure to rinse out all the containers before recycling them. There shouldn’t be any food left in the boxes before it gets to the recycling plant. 
• Aluminum Foil: Aluminum cans are recyclable but the foil is not. 
• Water Bottles: Yes, water bottles are recyclable as long as the cap is separated from the bottle before being added into the recycling bin. 
• Hangers: Plastic or wire hangers are not recyclable. If you would like to throw out hangers, consider donating them instead. 
• Plastic Bags: Although it might be evident, plastic bags are extremely bad for the environment. Instead of gathering plastic bags from grocery or department stores, try using reusable bags. 

Best Practices For Recycling

There is a large concern for environmental and sustainable practices to be incorporated into everyday life. There are a couple of new and innovative ways in order to manage the waste we produce. 

• Sustainable Processes: Using renewable resources wherever possible, eliminating use of any materials and products that cannot be recycled and employing innovative methods to reduce packaging waste.
• Efficient Use of Energy: Decreasing the amount of electricity you use per day as lighting takes up a large amount of energy to create. 
• Reducing Waste: Buying clothing and other materials from second hand stores, food from local farmers’ markets and environmentally friendly products are great ways to reduce waste. 

AC Waste can help with saving your company money with compacting your waste.  Increase the efficiency of your companies wastes up to four times. 

About The Author

Nic Ahola is the Director of Operations for AC Waste Services over the past 10+ years. With multiple years of experience in the industry Nic’s wealth of knowledge to discuss key industry topics is never-ending.

He works directly with businesses to implement waste management systems that are convenient to a business’s operations while reducing the unnecessary costs and common problems associated with waste.

Connect with AC Waste and Nic on Linkedin.