Garbage, recycling and composting in Vancouver, sort it out!
Our daily consumption and habits produce lots of garbage and since we are a big community, you can imagine the amount of debris we dispose of. However, did you know that you can contribute to reduce this amount by properly sorting out your garbage (garbage/recycling/compost)?
It differs from one country to another, but here are some of Vancouver’s regulations concerning waste disposal.
Recycling:
On campus, you will most likely have two different bins; one for paper products and one for plastic, cans or glass products. Here are some items which fit these categories:
Paper products: paper, paper containers (e.g. pizza box), cardboards, paper cups, newspaper, toilet paper rolls, eggs carton, etc.
Plastic, cans or glass products: Milk container, soda cans, Pringles’ container, coffee cups and lids, ice cream container, aluminum container, cans, glass container, aerosol cans, light bulbs, etc.
Compost :
If you use a plastic bag to gather your compost, it is important to not put it in the compost too. Instead, you could use newspapers or some compostable nets. Also, you can easily clean and deodorize your compost bin using water and baking soda.
What goes in: cooked food waste, raw fruits, paper towels and napkins, bones, eggshells, dairy products, compostable plates and utensils, coffee grounds, tea bags, hair, etc.
Garbage:
Anything that you couldn’t fit into previous categories will most likely end up here. However, if you have unusual wastes such as electronics or batteries to dispose of, please check UBC’s sustainability website to inquire about the proper ways of disposal of such items.
What goes in: plastic bags, Styrofoam, non-recyclable cutlery, waxed paper, etc.
How to reduce your waste imprint?
-When you go grocery shopping you can buy reusable and washable nets for your vegetables and fruits instead of using plastic bags all the time. Same idea for grocery or any shopping bags, use reusable ones or even your backpack.
-Stop buying plastic bottles and buy a reusable water bottle (why not buy a cute one with a cat on it or a cool one with the UBC logo on it?).
-Plan your meals in advance (make a list) to avoid unnecessary wastes and to save money!
-Reuse old readings prints to take notes and save money!
Finally, do not hesitate to share your advices and tricks with your friends to create a ripple effect which encourage a smart and efficient lifestyle!
Sources:
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/what-goes-in-recycling-bins.aspx
http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/recycling-waste/sort-it-out/what-goes-where
http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/recycling-waste/what-you-can-do
You can make a difference