Green Bin Organics Program

[UrbanWaterloo]

Green Bin Organics Program
Region of Waterloo
Website (http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/aboutTheEnvironment/Green_Bin_Organics.asp)

559

About The Program
The Region of Waterloo's Waste Management Division is implementing an organics collection program. This program is similar to the Blue Box program, except it collects household organic materials such as food scraps and paper towels in green bins. The Green Bin program helps save valuable space in our local landfill and turns "waste" into useful compost.

This program will be implemented in phases. Here's the current Regional "Green Binning" plan:

Roll out Strategy:

October 2006 - Test pilots Five city neighbourhoods totalling 5,000 homes tested bins and bags as part of the Green Bin program.
October 2007 - More pilots! 5,000 additional homes added.
October 2008 - Added 40,000 homes.
October 2009 - Added 40,000 more homes
October 2010 - Proposed to add 50,000 more homes - all single family homes in the Region will have access to the program and more pilots! Proposed to add 5,000 apartment units and ten commercial and industrial properties.
2011/2012 - Proposed to add 40,000 apartment units and 100 commercial/industrial properties.
2012/2013 - Possible ban of organics from landfill in late 2012.

When Is Green Bin Coming To My Neighbourhood?
The Green Bin program is being phased in over several years. Only certain neighbourhoods on certain garbage collection days are participating. Below are details on who is participating when:

Participating Now:
Cambridge - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Kitchener - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Waterloo - Wednesday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Proposed 2010:
Cambridge - Tuesday
Kitchener - Wednesday
Waterloo - Monday
All townships - North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich - all collection days

If you are in a neighbourhood that is participating now, and you need more information or containers - please email customer-service@region.waterloo.on.ca

<table><tr><td style="width:50%;">Acceptable Items - Updated July 2009
Baked goods - e.g. bread, cakes, cookies, dough, pies
Butcher paper
Butter & margarine
Candy
Cat litter
Cereal
Charcoal
Coffee cups (PAPER, no lids)
Coffee filters, grounds
Corn cobs, husks
Cotton balls
Dairy products - e.g. cheese, sour cream, yogurt
Eggs, eggshells
Facial tissues
Feathers
Fish, fish parts
Flour bags
Fruit
Fur
Grains & rice
Gravy & sauces
Grease, lards, fats
Hair
Herbs & spices
House plant waste
Jams & jellies
Mayonnaise
Meat, meat products, bones
Muffin/baking cups (paper)
Nail clippings Nuts & shells
Paper bags
Paper fast food packaging
Paper napkins
Paper plates
Parchment paper
Pasta
Peanut butter
Pencil shavings
Pet waste (including bedding, droppings, kitty litter)
Pizza
Pizza boxes
Play dough (homemade)
Popsicle sticks
Popcorn
Popcorn bags (microwave)
Salad & dressings
Sawdust
Shellfish
Shredded paper
Snack foods
Sugar & sweetener packets
Sugar & syrups
Sugar bags
Tea bags (except Lipton pyramid tea bags)
Tissues
Toothpicks (wood)
Vegetables - including waxed vegetables such as rutabaga
Wood ashes (cold)
Wood chips </td>
<td style="width:50%; vertical-align:top;">Not Acceptable- Updated July 2009
Band-Aids
Batteries, paint & other hazardous waste
Biodegradable plastic bags
Candles
Chewing gum
Cigarette butts & ashes
Cleaning sponges
Corks Cutlery (metal, plastic)
Dental floss/tape, toothbrushes
Diapers
Dryer lint
Dryer sheets
Lipton Pyramid Tea (plastic mesh tea bag)
Metal - anything in part or as a whole is made of metal of any kind) Paper towels containing hazardous/cleaning products
Plastic - plastic bags, biodegradable plastic bags, plastic containers, plastic wrap, etc.
Sanitary products - (personal)
Textiles
Vacuum sweepings/ household dirt Water softener salt
Wax
Waxed paper
Wood, treated wood
Recyclables - place in blue box
Yard Waste - compost in back yard, set out during seasonal pick up, bring to transfer station</td></tr></table>

[UrbanWaterloo]

GREEN BIN DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS FOR APARTMENTS AND COMMERCIAL/INSTITUTIONAL PROPERTIES
REGION OF WATERLOO TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: Waste Management
TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee
DATE: April 27, 2010
Report: E-10-049 (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/66C2C3E2820B34638525770E0055FB98/$file/E-10-049.pdf?openelement)

RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve green bin demonstration projects for some larger apartment buildings and a typical range of commercial and institutional properties as described in Report E-10-049 dated April 27, 2010.

SUMMARY:
The Region is nearing completion of the roll out of a green bin waste diversion program targeting single family homes and townhouse developments. A total of 90,000 homes are now on the program with 50,000 homes to be added in October 2010. However, a total of 40,000 apartment units are deemed unsuitable for our typical curbside green bin collection program. In order to develop an effective way to collect from those apartments and other challenging locations, pilot testing has been undertaken at larger facilities, apartment buildings and the ICI sector. Enough knowledge has been gained to date that it is now proposed to implement larger scale demonstration projects at 60 apartment complexes representing approximately 4000 units. This project will attempt to confirm the suitability of the collection method on a larger scale, and fine tune the apartment program before the remaining units are added sometime in 2012 subject to Council approval. It is also proposed to add approximately 40 commercial and institutional premises to the program as a demonstration project. Without such a demonstration project, it is unlikely that area restaurants and other private business will act to divert green bin waste. If the Region does proceed with a ban of green bin waste from landfill in 2013, it is important to have shown that diversion is practical and cost-effective.

REPORT:

Green Bins at Apartment Towers
Most municipal food waste diversion programs include single family homes and townhouses, but few programs have much experience with larger apartment buildings. This is true in part because it is inconvenient for apartment dwellers to bring food waste to a central location, and it is also very difficult to keep the bulk containers free of contamination such as plastic bags. Staff has researched current practice in other areas for apartment towers and has also reviewed recent studies evaluating different possible collection methods. While mid-size green carts in central locations offer the greatest promise, it is proposed to demonstrate this approach at approximately 60 locations (4000 units). Apartment dwellers will be provided small containers to collect the food waste in their dwelling unit, and they will then transfer the material at a central location. Residents of each building will be introduced to the program through staffed displays in the lobby area, and each unit will receive a starter package of information, containers and bags to get them started. The lobby displays will also remind residents of the blue cart recycling program in their building. Should this overall approach to food waste diversion in apartment towers be deemed successful, the remaining 38,000 units will be added in 2012 subject to Council approval.

Food Waste Diversion at Restaurants and Institutions
Food waste and other compostable materials still represent a majority of waste produced at many commercial and institutional locations. At many restaurants, green bin waste (waste food, paper napkins, expired or surplus product) represent virtually all of the waste currently going to landfill. Likewise, institutions with food service offer great potential for new diversion from landfill. After reviewing options for collection, it was determined that there was merit in using the same mid-size green cart (110 litres) to be used at apartment towers. Smaller containers within each restaurant will likely be unique to suit the needs of each type of establishment. It is proposed to demonstrate this system at 2 or 3 neighbourhood plazas, one institution, and approximately 10 standalone locations. Precise locations will be determined once Council approval to proceed has been granted. Businesses involved in working with the Region on this demonstration project will be provided containers and collection service for a period of three years at no cost. In exchange, business owners must work closely with Regional staff to maximize the diversion potential of the program and provide the Region with statistics from their other waste streams (cardboard and container recycling; garbage). Business owners must also diligently and properly separate food waste from non-compostable material.

Common Collection Approach
By utilizing a common mid-size green cart for both apartment towers and restaurants, staff feels that the Region can offer considerable flexibility by modifying the number of carts and collection frequency at each location, while still having a common truck and method of collection. For example, a smaller apartment building may only require 2 carts and weekly collection, while a busy larger restaurant may need 6 carts emptied on a daily basis. Daily collection truck routing can be easily and efficiently designed to meet the needs of all customers.

Implementation Plan
It is proposed to implement these demonstration projects in the fall of 2010 and early 2011. Potential sites for testing will be determined shortly and staff will contact landlords and business owners for agreement on being participants in the demonstration project. Rollout will likely occur over a six month period in order to provide a high level of support to each location. An interim report on the effectiveness of this approach will be presented to Council at the end of 2011. Additional apartment units could be added in 2012 if this approach is deemed successful.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: This strategy supports the Corporate Strategic Objective 1.4 of “Reducing the amount of waste requiring landfill”.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The one-time costs for collection carts, containers and startup materials can be accommodated within the approved 2010 capital budget for the green bin program rollout. Operating costs for collection and processing are provided for within existing budgets.

[bzmwillemsen]

Anyone know if they have implemented the pilot projects for apartment buildings yet? I would really love to have a green bin in my apartment.

[Waterlooer]

Yes. Here is what it says on the website: (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/0/D57E46CED7644B6A852577AD0050D777?OpenDocument)


This program will be implemented in phases. Here's the remaining future Regional "Green Binning" plan:

2011/ 2012 - Proposed to add 40,000 apartment units and 100 commercial/industrial properties.
2012/2013 - Possible ban of organics from landfill in late 2012.

You could email them and ask if your apartment is one of the 40,000 units to receive the Green Bin.

[metropolis]

2012/2013 - Possible ban of organics from landfill in late 2012.


How would a ban work? How would it be enforced?

Because if this has as little effect as the anti-idling bylaws do then what is the point?

[Waterlooer]

That makes no sense to me either, you can't stop people from throwing organics into the garbage because there is no way to be caught! (unless they will dig through your garbage cans).

[IEFBR14]

How would a ban work? How would it be enforced? Because if this has as little effect as the anti-idling bylaws do then what is the point?

That makes no sense to me either, you can't stop people from throwing organics into the garbage because there is no way to be caught! (unless they will dig through your garbage cans).
A lot of laws and bylaws are enacted not because they can be enforced but rather because they signal to the public how they ought to behave. A good example of this was when Ontario introduced mandatory seat belt use in cars. The premier at the time, Bill Davis, agreed in public that it would be difficult to enforce the law. Instead he argued that having it would encourage more people to wear seatbelts. The proof of his claim is that soon thereafter in Ontario 90+ of drivers wore seatbelts while in provinces and states where it wasn't a requirement, half or more drivers didn't wear them. The province is now trying to do the same thing with cellphone, etc. use by drivers with, so far, mixed results. Yes, this does lead to enforcement abuse, e.g. selective enforcement, but the argument is that the benefits of such laws exceed the social costs of such abuse.

So while it's impractical to stop all idling or stop all organics from ending up in landfill, such bylaws do, or at least try to, discourage such practices.

[KevinL]

That makes no sense to me either, you can't stop people from throwing organics into the garbage because there is no way to be caught! (unless they will dig through your garbage cans).

One simple way: if they never put out their green bin (like some in my neighbourhood). Everyone has to have SOME organics in their trash, if they're not bothering at all to separate it than they're easy to target for enforcement.

[Waterlooer]

One simple way: if they never put out their green bin (like some in my neighbourhood). Everyone has to have SOME organics in their trash, if they're not bothering at all to separate it than they're easy to target for enforcement.

My grandparents don't use their green bin but they put all there organics in their composter in their backyard.

[IEFBR14]

Speaking of composting, Green bins: A wasted effort? (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/660864)
The City of Toronto boasts that its green bin program diverts a third of our garbage and turns it into "black gold" compost. But a Star investigation shows that the program – although nobly conceived – is a sham.

There are two problems. First, the city's claim of how much waste the program diverts from landfill is inflated. Second, some of the compost that is being produced will kill your plants because of its high salt content, according to laboratory tests.

The Star found that, over the past two years, thousands of tons of organics in various stages of the composting process have been dumped into a gravel pit, tossed into landfills or stockpiled on city property. What's more, some of the material residents are told to place in green bins – plastic bags and diapers – has wound up in the belly of a Michigan incinerator, despite Mayor David Miller's vow Toronto will never burn garbage.
Of course Rob Ford will fix this right away :RpS_rolleyes:

[BuildingScout]

Most recycling programs in North America are designed as feel good symbolic measures which take the place of alternative, more cost efficient and environmentally friendly options to recycle garbage.

[mpd618]

Most recycling programs in North America are designed as feel good symbolic measures instead of alterntive, more cost efficient and environmentally friendly options to recycle garbage.

I believe Waterloo Region already has a diversion from landfill rate of more than 50%. Landfills are expensive, and extending the life of the current one is a pretty serious benefit.

[Urbanomicon]

I don't use my green bin in the winter because the moisture soaks the internal bag and it freezes to the bottom of the bin. I have tried dislodging it before I put it out, but it just refreezes and the garbage collection staff make no effort to get the bag out. If it doesn't immediately come out when it's turned upside down, they just don't empty it.

[KevinL]

I don't use my green bin in the winter because the moisture soaks the internal bag and it freezes to the bottom of the bin. I have tried dislodging it before I put it out, but it just refreezes and the garbage collection staff make no effort to get the bag out. If it doesn't immediately come out when it's turned upside down, they just don't empty it.

Your best option there is a few layers of newsprint under the bag. Some may stick to the bag, but it won't stick to the bin.

[BuildingScout]

I believe Waterloo Region already has a diversion from landfill rate of more than 50%. Landfills are expensive, and extending the life of the current one is a pretty serious benefit.

and I'm in favour of reducing landfill. It is just that the most cost effective way to achieve this is at the processing end, using sorters.

[mpd618]

and I'm in favour of reducing landfill. It is just that the most cost effective way to achieve this is at the processing end, using sorters.

Citation needed. Badly.

[mpd618]

Here's an idea: collect recycling and green bin waste weekly, but garbage only bi-weekly (http://raisethehammer.org/blog/2096). That would put the right incentives in place without requiring any bans.

[Daev]

I personally have my family organizing all Organics into the green bin. The result is that we only have to put out one bag of garbage every 2 weeks. Which I find pretty damn amazing.

The only thing I have found recently is that the Green Bin is actually not big enough! Does anyone know if it's possible to order a 2nd Green Bin for a household?

[KevinL]

The only thing I have found recently is that the Green Bin is actually not big enough! Does anyone know if it's possible to order a 2nd Green Bin for a household?

There's nothing on the website indicating one way or another, but I can't see why not (there's no limit on blue boxes, and we've been known to use up to three at a time).

Their contact info:
Call 519-883-5100 or email waste@regionofwaterloo.ca

[Urbanomicon]

Your best option there is a few layers of newsprint under the bag. Some may stick to the bag, but it won't stick to the bin.

Thanks. I'll give that a try.

[bzmwillemsen]

Why the banning would not really effectively enforceable it's kind of like the law requiring shoes be worn inside a car where the law is made to set a precedent for behavior.

An example of a way to enforce this though is how they do it in Hamilton.
In Hamilton you're only allowed one bag of garbage a week per household.
They also require you to put your garbage in clear bags so that the garbage collectors can tell if you have organics in your trash.
If the collectors feel that there is too much organic material in your garbage bag they will not take your bag, meaning that next week you have two bags to put out but you're still only allowed one bag a week. Essentially forcing people to sort their garbage.

[IEFBR14]

They also require you to put your garbage in clear bags so that the garbage collectors can tell if you have organics in your trash.So if they see paper in your trash they can refuse to collect that bag because they didn't look closely enough to notice that it's really waxed paper that's supposed to go there. What about butcher paper that's waxed on one side? Or window envelopes? How are they going to differentiate between cat litter, dryer lint and vacuum sweepings (only the first being legal)?


If the collectors feel that there is too much organic material in your garbage bag they will not take your bag, meaning that next week you have two bags to put out but you're still only allowed one bag a week. Essentially forcing people to sort their garbage.Or "forcing" people to drop off excess bags in trash bins in public parks or in industrial dumpsters that aren't locked. The same sort of thing happens with paint cans and car batteries when there's no convenient hazardous waste pickup.

And how are the compost police going to determine that your green bin contains contraband like "Chewing gum, Cigarette butts & ashes,... Dryer lint,... Vacuum sweepings/ household dirt" etc. mixed in with all the legal (but smelly) compost?

When we lived in Toronto, pre green bin, we had constant battles with the garbage bureaucracy over what's acceptable and what's not. Usually we were better informed than the bureaucrats who "served" us. But even so, winning the argument on the phone didn't guarantee that word of the decision got to the troops who actually collected the stuff.

In addition, Toronto has real garbage police who rummage through bags of trash looking for unacceptable materials then look for things like addresses on envelopes in order to identify the perpetrators.

I'm skeptical that these programs will work, especially as they get increasingly complicated and are subject to arbitrariness by collectors, many of whom don't even know the rules they're mandated to follow.

[TripleQ]

I don't use my green bin in the winter because the moisture soaks the internal bag and it freezes to the bottom of the bin. I have tried dislodging it before I put it out, but it just refreezes and the garbage collection staff make no effort to get the bag out. If it doesn't immediately come out when it's turned upside down, they just don't empty it.


Mine has a permanent layer of frozen food at the bottom.. but it'll come out in the spring. I don't bother with bags anymore, just some layers of newspaper.

[KevinL]

I buy packs of lunch bags at the dollar store and use those in my kitchen bin. They're smaller than the 'official' Bag to Earth ones available for sale, but a lot cheaper. If it's a particularly wet load I'll double-bag, or specially wrap in newsprint.

[BuildingScout]

In Hamilton you're only allowed one bag of garbage a week per household.

I think these type of policies are fundamentally unfair since one has little control over the amount of garbage produced. Can I buy eggs without a carton? how about juice in refillable containers? or bread without a bag? or ketchup without a bottle?

In Germany they addressed this by having a regulation that supermarkets have to take the packaging garbage when you buy stuff. You will see people peeling layers of wrapping right past the cash register lines.

[mpd618]

I think these type of policies are fundamentally unfair since one has little control over the amount of garbage produced. Can I buy eggs without a carton? how about juice in refillable containers? or bread without a bag? or ketchup without a bottle?

Egg cartons are recyclable. Juice comes in glass, plastic, or tetrapak cartons, which are all recyclable. Bread bags are the same as plastic store bags, and so are recyclable.* Ketchup bottles are recyclable.

Here in Waterloo Region, a lot of things can be recycled curbside (http://region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/4601d068a935d9298525771900627e62!OpenDocument). That's what you might choose to find out about if, say, garbage collection were every other week.

*I hope I am not giving wrong advice about types of plastic bags. Regardless, bags are not taking up so much space in your garbage.

[BuildingScout]

Egg cartons are recyclable. Juice comes in glass, plastic, or tetrapak cartons, which are all recyclable. Bread bags are the same as plastic store bags, and so are recyclable.* Ketchup bottles are recyclable.

I choose the wrong examples. The point is that if you are gong to punish certain behaviour you have to give a reasonable alternative not to engage in that behaviour. This is the reason why, for example, breaking into a cabin during a life and death emergency is not a crime under the law: there was no reasonable alternative.

Suppose that a family has a special needs kid which as a consqeunce produces a large amount of unrecyclable waste. What is their choice? What is the behaviour they can choose not to engage in?

This is contrast to, say, car emission regulations, in which one can easily choose the alternative of buying a more fuel efficient car.

[bzmwillemsen]

Egg cartons are recyclable. Juice comes in glass, plastic, or tetrapak cartons, which are all recyclable. Bread bags are the same as plastic store bags, and so are recyclable.* Ketchup bottles are recyclable.

Here in Waterloo Region, a lot of things can be recycled curbside (http://region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/4601d068a935d9298525771900627e62!OpenDocument). That's what you might choose to find out about if, say, garbage collection were every other week.

*I hope I am not giving wrong advice about types of plastic bags. Regardless, bags are not taking up so much space in your garbage.

Agreed.
It is very easy for a large family to produce only one bag of garbage a week. The materials you are talking about which you cannot put into a green bin or blue box are rarely used everyday.
Off the top of my head I can only think of a couple things that you _have_ to put into a garbage bag in Waterloo Region (Styrofoam, tinfoil, glass.)
I would find it difficult for a household of <6 to argue that they could not recycle enough to only produce 1 bag or garbage a week.

[bubak]

Here's an idea: collect recycling and green bin waste weekly, but garbage only bi-weekly (http://raisethehammer.org/blog/2096). That would put the right incentives in place without requiring any bans.

Here's a radical idea: how about they start by actually collecting the green bin every week!

On my street, they randomly ignore it certain weeks. After they don't pick it up for two weeks in a row, the stuff gets so decomposed that they refuse to pick it up at all.

I used to be an enthusiastic supporter of the green bin, but I finally gave up last year. The only way to reliably get organics collected in this region is to put them in the garbage.

[mpd618]

Here's a radical idea: how about they start by actually collecting the green bin every week!

I've never had any issues at all with any of the waste collection in my area . So instead of just being unhappy, I would suggest contacting the Waste Management department (http://region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/DocID/BAF9D178A9CEF300852577FF005122D3?OpenDocument) to let them know of the issue on your street. Or perhaps even contacting one of your Regional Councillors (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/DocID/7D8DA5F9C5A28DB385256AF700553217?OpenDocument).

[BuildingScout]

Off the top of my head I can only think of a couple things that you _have_ to put into a garbage bag in Waterloo Region (Styrofoam, tinfoil, glass.)
I would find it difficult for a household of <6 to argue that they could not recycle enough to only produce 1 bag or garbage a week.

If you have a little one at home just diapers alone exceed one bag a week, and we still need to add napkins, pizza boxes, kleenex, feminine higiene products, dog waste, etc.

[mpd618]

If you have a little one at home just diapers alone exceed one bag a week, and we still need to add napkins, pizza boxes, kleenex, feminine higiene products, dog waste, etc.

Napkins, pizza boxes, kleenex, and even dog waste (though not plastic bags) can all go into the green bin (http://region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/d57e46ced7644b6a852577ad0050d777!OpenDocument).

[garthdanlor]

I choose the wrong examples. The point is that if you are gong to punish certain behaviour you have to give a reasonable alternative not to engage in that behaviour. This is the reason why, for example, breaking into a cabin during a life and death emergency is not a crime under the law: there was no reasonable alternative.

It's hardly a life or death affair to reduce the family garbage down to 1 bag a week and, yes, you do have alternatives...be conscientious about the products and the packaging on the foods you buy, and be conscientious about recycling/composting/green binning that which you do buy. It's really not a hardship. We (2 adults and a dog) are admittedly a small family but we usually only put out one ordinary sized garbage can each month. I just don't see why a family of 4 or 6 couldn't limit their garbage output to 1 can/bin/bag per week and would fully support a charge for more than 1 bag/can/bin per week.

[KevinL]

Diapers, yes. I would imagine a family with an infant could get some kind of exception for the kid's first couple years. There's little else that, if working prudently, cannot be redirected from either recycling or compost.

[bzmwillemsen]

Diapers, yes. I would imagine a family with an infant could get some kind of exception for the kid's first couple years. There's little else that, if working prudently, cannot be redirected from either recycling or compost.

While I am sympathetic to those with infant(s) and while I would support an exception for the families with multiple infants. I would still find it hard to believe that an infant could fill up 20kg garbage with diapers in a week. A lot of people do not realize how big a garbage can can be.
See the Region's Container Restrictions. (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/9acf294943bb995b85256c2300530752!OpenDocument#cont ainers)

[DKsan]

I hate going back to using Peel examples, but gods, the waste management system is this. My suburb back in Brampton is full of young families and I see no more than a bag a week nowadays on the curb thanks to the green bin basically taking everything. These are large families. The only time I see more is during the exemption periods (Christmas, Canada Day, etc). My mother takes a garbage bag out once a month.

But then again, we have a single stream recycling that makes part of the equation easier.

[IEFBR14]

<RANT>
On the weekend we ate out and brought home the leftovers in a styrofoam "clam shell" container. After we ate the leftovers I cut the clam shell along the hinge in order that I could stack the two halves together to save space. This is analogous to breaking down cardboard boxes. I thought I was doing someone a favour.

The recycling guys came today. They left one half of the clam shell in our blue box. Why? I can only speculate. The clam shell has the material logo like this

http://www.obviously.com/recycle/guides/plastic8.gif

moulded on the bottom half. The recyclers took that half but left the top half, presumably because it lacked such logo.

D'oh!

If these are the same kinds of idiots who will enforce the green bin rules then god help us all.
</RANT>

[ViewFromThe42]

If that was the case, which would be sad, perhaps next time try inverting one side into the other. More compliant clamshell boxes should have little trouble with this, while others might just crack a bit. At least it would remove this one possibility.

[bzmwillemsen]

Does anyone have any information on when the region may start to recycle styrofoam(polystyrene)?
Check this out. (http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Cochrane+takes+lead+recycling+Styrofoam/4357473/story.html)

[mpd618]

Those things say that they're #6 - polystyrene, but the Region doesn't accept that in the blue box program. They do, however take styrofoam at the landfill. I've never really seen any good explanation for why polystyrene is off-limits.

[ViewFromThe42]

I feel that we are at a stage of technological development that we should be able to recycle nearly everything. Seeing all the plastics, paper products, metals, and the like, all winding up in the garbage, it frustrates me.

[mpd618]

I feel that we are at a stage of technological development that we should be able to recycle nearly everything. Seeing all the plastics, paper products, metals, and the like, all winding up in the garbage, it frustrates me.

Unfortunately, the waste in a product is currently an externalized cost, so there is little incentive for a manufacturer to make products with less packaging and which are more recyclable. That cost is externalized to us as taxpayers, so it ends up being difficult to pay the costs of recycling some things if the process is particularly difficult.

[Brando_T]

Those things say that they're #6 - polystyrene, but the Region doesn't accept that in the blue box program. They do, however take styrofoam at the landfill. I've never really seen any good explanation for why polystyrene is off-limits.

I believe it boils down to polystyrene is so light it blows around streets when it is put at the curb. I think I had called in once and received that explanation.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Composting Workshops
Region of Waterloo | Link (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/$All/BDBDAB5F35318AF685257861006C388D?OpenDocument)

The Region of Waterloo will hold free composting workshops on Saturday, April 16, May 7, and June 18, 2011, at the Waterloo Landfill, Waste Management Administration building, 925 Erb Street West, Waterloo. A fall workshop will be held on October 15, 2011.

The workshop will provide participants with information and helpful hints on backyard composting, grasscycling, and vermicomposting (worm composting).

The workshop will feature:


A review of the use and maintenance of the curbside Green Bin.
A troubleshooting session aimed at resolving problems unique to home composting.
A question and answer period allowing participants to raise specific composting concerns with the Region's program co-ordinator.

Backyard composters will be available to all interested participants at no charge at the end of the workshop. A limited number of vermicomposting bins (excluding worms) will be available at the April 16 session.

Since attendance at the workshop is limited to 25, residents are encouraged to reserve a place as early as possible by contacting the program co-ordinator at 519-883-5100 ext. 8423. The session start time will be provided when you reserve.

For more information, residents can call 519-883-5100 or visit the Region’s web site at www.region.waterloo.on.ca/waste.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Region’s spring compost giveaway day
April 18, 2011 | Link (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/$All/CB964256B7B5ABF38525787600521852?OpenDocument)

The Region of Waterloo will once again host a spring compost giveaway day on Saturday, May 14, 2011, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at the following locations:


Cambridge Landfill, end of Savage Drive
Waterloo Landfill, 925 Erb Street, West

Compost is a rich organic soil amendment produced from leaves and yard waste collected in the region. Compost is tested to meet Provincial regulations and is screened of debris.

Regional residents can receive up to five bushels of compost per household, while quantities last. Residents must bring their own shovels and containers.

Both locations will feature a food drive hosted by the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank. Residents are invited to contribute non-perishable food items or cash donations.

No backyard composters, vermicomposters or rain barrels will be distributed at this compost giveaway.

For more information, residents can call the customer service line at 519-883-5100 or visit the Region’s website at www.region.waterloo.on.ca/waste.

[BuildingScout]

Regional residents can receive up to five bushels of compost per household, while quantities last. Residents must bring their own shovels and containers.

Last time I picked up some, the quality was really low, the "compost" was full of leaves and sticks. It needed another easily another six-eight months of composting before it should have been released to the public. Any one else had this experience?

[bzmwillemsen]

Update:
http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regionalGovernment/resources/PA2011-1018.pdf
In Section: E-11-095
FILE CODE: E20-0


The final phase of curbside deployment is completed in November 2010.
About 50% usage.
Only <5% contamination.

The multi-residential and industrial building deployment field testing was started in late 2010 and early 2011 and is intended to run until the end of 2013.

Next steps are to implement an advertising campaign called “Don’t Waste Another Day" to encourage use.

[bzmwillemsen]

Personally I think that the Green Bin program is a great idea, but I think that the Region is moving too slowly with it.

I think the Region really needs to step it up and limit the amount of garbage bags allowed for curbside pickup.

I know that there are some municipalities that will only pick up 1 bag a week. And while I think that that is a reasonable number for any curbside pickup. I think to start the Region should start to enforce a 2 bag a week pickup limit. Or even introduce an alternative restriction on the amount of garbage bags to be picked up curbside.
One idea may be. First bag is free, but every bag after the first must have a "bag tag" on it which you can buy at any grocery store.

Introduction of the Green Bin was a great idea, but you can't get the region to start using it just on a voluntary basis. It's just like roundabouts. They're not voluntary so you're going to use them and learn how to use them.

[BuildingScout]

I know that there are some municipalities that will only pick up 1 bag a week. And while I think that that is a reasonable number for any curbside pickup. I think to start the Region should start to enforce a 2 bag a week pickup limit.

So my neighbour who lives alone, my household with four people in it, and my other neighbour with six adults living together all get one free bag a week? this does not seem fair at all.

[garthdanlor]

So my neighbour who lives alone, my household with four people in it, and my other neighbour with six adults living together all get one free bag a week? this does not seem fair at all.
Presumably each household is paying only one set of property taxes regardless of the number of people in the houshold so seems fair to me.

Are you really suggesting that a household of four (even 6) couldn't manage with a free can/bag each week when you take into account that you will also have free access to green bins, blue boxes, and paper yard waste bags...not to mention back yard composters? Our household of two probably only puts out one can of waste every 4 weeks. Blue and green bins are usually more frequent. It really isn't difficult or time consuming to toss waste into the separate containers.

[bzmwillemsen]

The entire city of Hamilton currently has a 1 bag restriction.

http://www.hamilton.ca/CityServices/Garbage-and-Recycling/Garbage/


You can put out up to one bag or can of garbage for pick-up each week. Any bags or cans above the one container limit will be left behind. You can put out up to three bags or cans of garbage on your pick up day after New Years Day, Victoria Day and Thanksgiving Day.

A (http://www.hamilton.ca/CityServices/Garbage-and-Recycling/Garbage/)nd I personally know a family of 6 who lives in Hamilton and found that after they got into the motion of using the green bin and blue bin more often 1 bag a week was easy.

[KevinL]

A way to add a 'soft limit' on bag-restriction programs is with specially-coded zip ties that you can put on bags above your limit, which are sold much like bus tickets at various stores. Some municipalities even give a few of those ties away to each house every year, for those occasional times that you go over your usual.