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Attention Parents, Teachers, Administrators! August 27/07 School is almost back in session, why not think about booking an environmental workshop or two? The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange’s “Down to Earth” environmental education program is back in full swing in preparation for the new school year. These free environmental workshops are a chance to learn something new and “green” up your life! Learn more about the 3R’s with a workshop on Zero Waste, or meet our worm buddies the Red Wigglers in a Composting workshop. You can learn about aquifers and the water cycle in our Water Quality workshop, or delve into the science of Climate Change. You can even deconstruct advertising and consumerism in our Consumer to Conserver workshop. Take a tour of the NRE facility and see how recycling in Nanaimo works. Our environmental education facilitator is constantly working to update the workshops to include activities and the latest material. The workshops can be adjusted to fit the needs of your group, regardless of age, size, or focus. Our facilitator has presented workshops at local schools, to Scout and Guide groups, Sunday schools, Seniors groups, and more! The facilitator will travel from Saltair all the way up to Qualicum Beach, and evening or weekend bookings are also available. Watch for our new high school workshops, coming soon! There’s sure to be a workshop (or two) for everyone at the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange. For a full workshop listing, see our website at www.recycling.bc.ca, or call 758-7777 to book your free environmental workshop today! ________________________________________________________________________ More Than Just TV’s and Computers July 31/07
The new Electronic Stewardship Recycling Program is in full swing across BC now. With no charge on drop-offs and unlimited quantities, the stewardship seems infallible. One shortcoming of the new electronic recycling program is its limited acceptance of different types of electronic waste categories. VCR’s, cell phones, stereos, microwaves, speakers and photocopiers are all examples of electronic devises not included in the new program.
A common question that recyclers of electronic waste are fielding now is “why is it that not all electronic waste is being dealt with through the new system?” The quick answer is simply we have to start somewhere.
Recycling and waste diversion is all about taking small steps. A good example is the Regional District of Nanaimo’s (RDN) adoption of the Zero Waste policy in 2002. Today, after 5 years of working to reduce waste going to the landfill, the RDN is very pleased to have a diversion rate over 60%. And the plans are being developed to increase that diversion percentage even more in the near future with organic waste recycling. But too much change in waste management practices all at once leads to confusion and scepticism and ultimately avoidance from everyone in practicing the new system.
The same principle applies to electronic waste. There is a starting point with an easily identifiable waste material that can be separated from the general waste stream. Next comes acceptance and experience from industry, government and the consumer on how to manage the selected waste type. Once everyone is comfortable, new waste materials are introduced.
Biting off more than you can handle is a sure way to have a program fail. Therefore, Electronic Product Stewardship Canada is beginning with TV’s and Computers. Are other classes of electronics to be added in the future? All the signs point to yes.
The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) is able to help-out with this issue. The NRE has been accepting every type of electronic waste for over 5 years. The NRE is a registered depot for the computer and TV stewardship program. But as an added bonus, the NRE can accept cell phones, discmen, satellite receivers and any other device that plugs into the wall. By accepting more e-waste categories, the NRE is making recycling convenient for anyone or any business to be responsible for their waste.
For more information, please contact the NRE at 758-7777. The NRE is open 7 days a week from 7 to 7.
________________________________________________________________________ Don’t Bury that Dead Battery July 31/07
With warm weather and holidays, everyone is packing-up and heading out on adventures. When we leave our homes, we quickly become aware of our dependency on “power” to run our electronic gadgets. When we stock-up on supplies, there is always a spot for batteries.
But what type of batteries should be used, rechargeable or disposable? There are a few considerations to make when choosing rechargeable or one-time use batteries: cost, performance and environmental friendliness.
An article from Grinning Planet highlighted the issue of batteries very well. As far as costs go, the initial output of cash for a charger and the batteries can seem a little over the top. In the long run, you will save money when you compare the number of disposables that are repeatedly purchased. Even if extra rechargeable batteries are purchased so you never run-out of power while the other batteries are charging, you should be saving money in the end.
The general consensus over performance is Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries have improved their discharge rates and now perform better than Nickel-Cadmium (Nicad) batteries. The alkaline rechargeables have not received great reviews when compared to NiMH’s. Lithium-ion batteries perform well but are usually pre-installed in a camera or portable DVD.
Environmental concern is spread across both rechargeables and disposables. The materials used in the manufacture of batteries are such that they should always be treated as household hazardous waste and disposed of responsibly. The Landfill is not a good option considering the number of recycling alternatives that now exist for each type of battery. When rechargeables are used over disposables, there are fewer batteries to be tossed away in the long run. The important point to remember when it comes time to dispose of your spent batteries is call to find out where a drop-off location exists.
The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) will accept all battery types. There are a number of retail outlets that will accept only rechargeable batteries for recycling. Many people will devote a plastic jar for the collection of old batteries so when the time comes, it’s one trip with a number of dead batteries to a drop-off centre. ________________________________________________________________________
BC’s Computer and TV Recycling Program July 23/07
On August 1st, Electronic Product Stewardship Canada will launch a province wide computer and TV recycling stewardship program that will make discarding old electronics a snap. Finally, there is a no-fee, no-hassle and completely confidential means to responsibly dispose of that old computer or TV.
The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) has been selected as a designated drop-off facility for waste computers and TV’s. Although the NRE has been recycling computers since 2002, now they are accepting TV’s and the drop-off fee has been completely removed.
Outside the Nanaimo area, the most common drop-off spots are the Bottle Return-It Depots. As Encorp operates the new program, the use of the pre-established Bottle Depots network made launching of the stewardship a little less overwhelming.
There are a few big questions as to how the program will operate and fund its self. First, Encorp Pacific is the administration body overseeing the complete operation. Encorp, best known for their work on refundable beverage container recycling, has been awarded the task of coordinating the drop-off depots, transportation and final recycling of waste electronics. The second issue of interest to the public is how the program is funded? Revenue to cover the expense of recycling this waste stream will be generated through an environmental fee placed on the purchase of new computers and TV’s. Much like the fee paid when purchasing tires or batteries, the money is pooled into an account and used to cover the expenses associated with difficult to recycle materials.
As a result of the new program, the NRE will not be hosting a Computer Round-Up event as in past years. After August 1st, everyday will be a round-up day.
The Electronic Stewardship program is not just limited to home users. Businesses, organizations, institutes, any body with a computer and/or a TV can take advantage of this new recycling program. There are no volume limits as to how much you can drop-off for recycling. Collection services are available upon request.
With any new program that encompasses an entire province, there are going to be some hiccups along the way. Encorp is prepared to adjust and evolve the recycling program to best fit the needs of the consumer and the environment so the benefits of electronic recycling are maximized. _________________________________________________________________________
School’s Never Out for Recycling July 16/07
The Down To Earth Environmental Education Program is in full swing this summer with workshops and displays set for launch throughout the summer months. Already, thousands of people have been given the opportunity to learn something new about recycling, sustainability and climate change. The free workshops function to entice the mind, provide some easy options and make “green living” an easy part of your every day lives.
The NRE’s facilitator has expanded the program with new interactive learning tools and new concepts that are appropriate for any age group. Recycling news is always happening so to keep on top of it all, a refresher may be just the remedy.
Although the NRE is based in Nanaimo, our “travelling environmental show” has made stops in Parksville, Qualicum and Ladysmith. But as an alternative, the NRE does host guided yard tours at the recycling centre. What is intriguing about a yard tour is the overall understanding everyone gains on how recycling works. When you begin to learn some of the finer details about recycling and other environmental issues, you can begin to see how small actions on your part make a big difference in the whole scheme of things.
There are several workshops that have been very popular in recent months. Climate change and global warming have been on everyone’s minds lately. Take a workshop from our facilitator and find out the facts, as well as the controversies, surrounding the subject. The vermicomposting workshop is a perennial favourite, in which kids (and adults) get a chance to get down and dirty with Red Wiggler worms. Not only do you learn about how these fascinating creatures make compost, but you also get to handle them directly. The NRE also now offers a gallon pail of “compost starter,” complete with worms, for a $5 donation.
You can find our education facilitator or an NRE volunteer at many great events this summer, including the Girl Guides SOAR Camp in Parksville from July 20-28, at NALT’s Music for the Mountain Festival on July 29, and at Symphony in the Harbour on August 11. You can also find our facilitator on the “Changes” radio show team, which can be heard on CHLY 101.7 on Tuesday mornings from 11-12. Each show is guaranteed to bring you fascinating topics ranging from Zero Waste, Simple Living, and Human Change.
If you are interested in booking a workshop, there are still many weekday and weeknight openings throughout the month of August. Accommodations can be made for groups of any size and especially for any age. Kids, teenagers, or adults, these workshops are designed for you! Check out the full range of our workshops at http://www.recycling.bc.ca/education_about.htm.
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Start An Apartment Recycling Program July 10/07
On a daily basis, the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) will receive calls from frustrated tenants of multi family residential complexes looking for a more comprehensive recycling program within their building. Unfortunately, there are limited bylaws in place to enforce recycling programs in these buildings. Recycling remains a voluntary act by the buildings owner/superintendent.
A waste composition study conducted in 2004 measured the weight of various classes of garbage generated from multi family residents within the Regional District of Nanaimo. This analysis provided an insight as to the types of materials entering the landfill and how they contribute to the 75,000 tonnes entering our landfill today from all the other waste generating areas.
The study showed that 30% of an apartments waste is recyclable paper, plastic, glass and metal. Textiles or used clothing represented 3% of the mix. The clothing was observed to be clean and reusable. Refundable bottles comprised 2% of the load. The largest waste category was compostables. Compostables included 41% food waste and 8% soiled paper products.
Now, with a little knowledge of what’s in the garbage dumpster every week, residents can begin to develop a plan to launch a recycling program within their building. The steps to create a recycling program are not that difficult, but must be followed so nothing is overlooked.
1. Identify a “Recycling Champion”. This may be a resident, building owner or someone within an interest in seeing a program implemented within your building. This person will take care of the details and address any concerns that may arise during the planning and running of the recycling program. 2. Start small and build the program. Pick a few easy to handle materials to recycle (paper, plastic, tin cans) so others in the complex get used to the idea of recycling. Early program success will motivate participation from others. 3. Create the system. Establish a “recycling centre” that is easily accessible, large enough to handle the volume, and is well labelled. A recycling service provider may have suggestions as to the types of collection containers to use. Tenants should have a recycling bag or box in their home. 4. Continuous feedback. A monthly report for all the residents will keep everyone cognizant of the recycling program and how it’s doing. It will also provide a forum for questions and answers that all can see because recycling is a tricky task if you are not sure what goes in the box.
A recycling program will have a cost attached to it. With a recycle hauling company providing collection containers and a scheduled pick-up service, chances are there is bill at the end of the month. However, there are some ways to look at this issue in a positive light. Diversion away from the garbage dumpster can reduce your overall garbage bill making money available for recycling. Also, there are ways of initiating in-house transportation for recycling and use the refundable bottles towards gas money. A recycling fund could be established from a multi-tenant garage sale held every year or six months. A garage sale would reduce your garbage, build program support among the residents and encourage the “re-use” of items before going to the garbage or recycling bin.
The NRE is willing to help. The Environmental Education Program is a free service to the community that educates on the concept of the 3R’s, and sustainability within our community. Workshops are available or come down to the facility at 2477 Kenworth, and pick-up some informational brochures.
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Recycling Stewardship to Add More Materials July 3/07
The BC Ministry of Environment has launched its campaign to find out which new waste materials will be added to the continued expansion of the industry – led product stewardship program. This is an opportunity for any persons with an interest in the recycling of hard to handle materials to voice their concerns and desires on which two materials will be added by the spring of 2008.
Already, there are nine categories of materials administered through the Ministry’s Recycling Regulation, and they include tires, oil, oil jugs, oil filters, beverage containers, paint, pharmaceuticals, electronics (to begin August 2007), and residuals (flammable liquids, solvents, pesticides and gasoline). The regulation mandates that the identified consumer products enter a life-cycle management program that includes the collection and recycling of waste materials. It is the responsibility of the Producer (manufacturer, distributor, importer) to cover the costs for the handling of discarded materials.
The Ministry has identified nine new consumer goods that are in the running to be the next addition in the product stewardship program. The list includes antifreeze and hydraulic fluid, all battery types, mercury containing products, packaging, large appliances, pool and photographic chemicals, furniture and textiles, construction and demolition waste, and automobiles. These materials have been selected because of the highly positive effect on the environment they represent if better managed.
Due to the complexity of adding a consumer product to an industry-led product stewardship program, only two products every three years will be tackled. This means that the entire list is scheduled to be implemented fully, but over a period of years. So, the question now comes to you, the consumer, manufacturer, retail outlet, recycler or transporters; which two materials will we add in 2008?
The method by which the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange will be looking at establishing an order of precedence for additions to the regulation policy is by a three step process. First, those materials that represent the greatest harm to the environment are identified. For example, liquid chemicals and mercury (an insoluble element) are difficult to contain and pose a threat to our water systems if not handled carefully. Second, Hard-to-recycle materials are looked at. If an item is hard to recycle like antifreeze and batteries then there is a cost to have a system up and running and that means an expensive recycling system which is hard to sustain. The third criterion to consider is the sheer volume of material entering our waste stream. A fine example of big volumes is the amount of construction and demolition waste that entered our landfill in 2006, almost 11,000 metric tonnes.
To let the Ministry know which items you would like to see regulated, use the following contact information below. The deadline for submissions is September 30th. Don’t delay, the earlier you comment the better chance of influencing the decision makers before they become seated on a particular course of action.
Contact information: www.recycling.gov.bc.ca From here, you will gain a clearer understanding of the product stewardship program that is in operation within BC.
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Recycling Brings Food to Children June 25/07
thINK FOOD is an innovative, environmentally friendly fundraising project for food banks that involves the collection and recycling of used inkjet cartridges and discarded cell phones. Launched in Toronto in 2001, the program is expanding through Canada for the food banks that are members of the Canadian Association of Food Banks.
The idea for the project is simple: turn used inkjet cartridges and cell phones into food by providing used cartridges and phones to the remanufacturing industry in return for proceeds for the Food Bank. In the end, the Food Bank has more resources to feed people and plastic and toxic waste is diverted from landfills.
Each cartridge is worth about a carton of milk, a jar of peanut butter, or in some cases a whole meal! With just one cell phone, a child can receive enough food for an entire day.
In the last 10 years, food bank use has doubled and today over 700,000 people access emergency grocery programs every month in this country. The number of children served by food banks is even higher than the percentage of children in the general population. Children represent 40% of food bank recipients. The NRE is registered with thINK FOOD Program and all the proceeds generated will be directed to Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, located in Nanaimo. Since 2005, the NRE has collected more than 100 kg’s worth of phones and cartridges for recycling. By recycling your old ink jet cartridges and unwanted cell phones, you benefit the environment and our local community. Shipping and handling is already taken care of so there are no added costs to the NRE. There are other locations involved in the program that have a drop-off box. There is no cost to get involved, and there is 12 registered sites in Nanaimo today. When purchasing a new cartridge or a cell phone, ask the store if they have a recycling program up and running that you can use right then and there. If not, swing it by the NRE with the rest of your recycling and it will be handled appropriately.
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From the Frying Pan to the Fuel Tank June 18/07
The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) is now taking used cooking oil from households at its recycling depot. The veggie oil will go into a recycling process that will convert it to Bio Diesel to be used as an alternative fuel source for local Island diesel engines.
Working with the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op, the NRE is able to collect and send the waste vegetable oil for the production of Bio Diesel. The Co-op was established to promote the production of sustainable alternative fuels that are environmentally benign for use within the community. Owned and operated by its members, the Co-op is gaining momentum in the production of Bio Diesel and making a viable product that is used by its members in an assortment of vehicles and equipment.
Guidelines for acceptable oils due exist. Non-hydrogenated, non-trans fat oil is what the Co-op prefers. That means, for our area, non-hydrogenated canola oil, which is a good starting point for making Bio Diesel. Anything solid at room temperature will not work.
To prepare your cooking oil at home, so it is easily recyclable, is simple. When finishing a meal, pour the waste veggie oil into a container and seal it. If you are unsure if it will harden when it cools, let it cool to room temperature first before placing it into your oil recycling container. Clumps of food and other wastes are not acceptable. Let the oil settle and strain if necessary so a clean product is achieved. Do not add water or other oils that are petroleum derived.
The NRE will have a large barrel set-up on site to pour your oil into. It is recommended that you take the oil jug home with you to use again. It is important that everyone follows the rules or the cost of processing the oil into a green-fuel source becomes economically difficult to sustain.
For more information on the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op, go to their website at www.cowfuel.org. _________________________________________________________________________
Drywall Disposal Changed June 11/07
Two new facilities are now set-up to handle your drywall disposal needs in Nanaimo. For commercial clients, a new industrial site is now open at 2250 McGarrigle Road to handle large truckloads of waste gypsum. For small loads, the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange located at 2477 Kenworth Road has opened its doors to accept waste drywall.
Both facilities are working closely with the City of Nanaimo and Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) to quickly put into operation a drywall collection program that will meet the demand of businesses and residents while maintaining an environmentally responsible operation.
There was a bit of an emergency in the final week of May when the call came in to the City and RDN that Vancouver Island Recycling Centres was no longer accepting drywall waste. Drywall is a banned material from the Landfill and Vancouver Island Recycling was the only drop-off location in the region, aside from the Church Road Transfer Station in Parksville.
Alpine is the operator of the McGarrigle site and is in the process of having a large building erected to handle the material completely contained within the building. Likewise, the NRE is also in the planning stages for a new structure to handle drywall. For the interim, the NRE is using large metal bins that vehicles may pull-up beside to off-load their gypsum. The material is then dumped into a roll-off container and covered from the elements.
So, what actually happens to the drywall after it is dropped –off? In a past article, I discussed why gypsum is banned and the recycling characteristics that make it such a close-loop product. When the drywall finally makes it to the recycling plant in New Westminster, a machine is able to pulverize the wallboard and separate the paper and gypsum. Both materials are then re-introduced into the production of new drywall, including the grey paper backing.
Unfortunately, there are substantial costs involved. It is highly recommended that you contact the drop-off site prior to arriving so there are no surprises over what is permitted and the costs involved. For Alpine, call 1-800-647-9933. The NRE can be reached by dialling 758-7777.
Both locations wish to extend a thank you to the users of the drywall program and for their patience while the facilities workout the kinks in their operations. Improvements are underway daily to ensure a convenient and environmentally safe program is in place for the long-term.
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Be Aware of “Green” Product Claims June 4/07
Buying environmentally friendly products is not as easy as it would seem. The art of spinning words and phrases on packaging to take advantage of consumers desire to do the right thing for the environment is more prevalent than imagined.
Green Marketing is the latest strategy for many manufactures of goods and services. This is a trend that began in the late nineties and has now taken off in the last two years. As with any marketing campaign, you cater to the wants and desires of your potential buyers. Today that buyer is conscious of their impact on the environment. So, products reveal how they benefit the environment.
There are different angles companies can take to show how their products or services promote sustainable living. The use of recycled materials, such as paper products, asphalt, fibreglass insulation and plastic lumber are a few examples of recycled materials being reintroduced into new products. The manufacturing process is a good idea for businesses promoting their sustainable products such as reduced energy needs for manufacture, ease to disassemble products for repair and/or recycling, or the use of green power and a sustainable work environment. The operation of a new item may produce fewer emissions or use less energy. Then the disposal of the item may be marketed as recyclable or biodegradable.
Although the majority of businesses practice what they promote, there are always a few out there that may stretch the truth a bit. A great example is the claim of being biodegradable, compostable or just degradable. These three terms are gaining a lot more attention lately as more and more municipalities are introducing compost programs. But which description is the best for the environment?
Compostable plastic is plastic which is "capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of an available program, such that the plastic is not visually distinguishable and breaks down to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials (e.g. cellulose). and leaves no toxic residue.
Biodegradable plastic is plastic that will degrade from the action of naturally occurring microorganism, such as bacteria, fungi etc. over a period of time. Note, that there is no requirement for leaving "no toxic residue", and as well as no requirement for the time it needs to take to biodegrade.
Degradable plastic is plastic that will undergo a significant change in its chemical structure under specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some properties. Please note that there is no requirement that the plastic has to be degraded from the action of "naturally occurring microorganism" or any of the other criteria required for compostable plastics.
A plastic therefore may be degradable but not biodegradable or it may be biodegradable but not compostable (that is, it breaks down too slowly to be called compostable or leaves toxic residue).
As a consumer, the best defence against being misled on your quest for a sustainable lifestyle is to ask the question and educate yourself. The Internet is a great area for information as there seems to be a lot of hype on this type of issue. You can always contact the NRE directly at 758-7777 and pose the question to staff and we will get busy on finding the answer.
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Old is New Again for Car Batteries
May 23/07
Lead acid batteries are setting the standard for defining what a closed-loop life cycle should really look like. The three primary components of a lead acid battery are the plastic casing, lead plates and the sulphuric acid. All three ingredients remain separate during manufacture and use and therefore are easily identified for recycling purposes. The design of the battery is so efficient for recycling it is stated that 97% of a new battery is comprised of recycled materials.
The plastic casing is polypropylene or #5 in the recycling arena and is a valuable resource material. Once cleaned, shredded and melted into little pellets, battery manufacturers use the recycled material for the creation of new battery housings. The lead grids, lead oxide and other lead parts are cleaned and then melted together in smelting furnaces. The molten lead is poured into ingot molds. After a few minutes, the impurities, otherwise known as dross, float to the top of the still-molten lead in the ingot molds. The dross is scraped away and the ingots are left to cool. When the ingots are cool, they are removed from the molds and sent to battery manufacturers, where they are re-melted and used in the production of new lead plates and other parts for new batteries. Old battery acid can be handled in two ways. The acid is neutralized with an industrial compound similar to household baking soda. This turns the acid into water. The water is treated, cleaned and tested to be sure it meets clean water standards. Then it is released into the public sewer system. Another way to treat acid is to process it and convert it to sodium sulphate, an odourless white powder that's used in laundry detergent, glass and textile manufacturing. This takes a material that would be discarded and turns it into a useful product. Lead acid batteries as a closed-loop consumer product has two significant benefits, the environment and economic feasibility. Benefit to the environment is straightforward. No more exploration or raw materials like mining lead and petroleum products from the ground. Economics makes everything happen that much more easily. In fact, the design for easy recycling and the near 100% reclaim of materials has made the old batteries valuable enough that the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange will receive a small handling fee when the item is shipped from the depot. This money is then reinvested into education and more hard-to-recycle items like glass and alkaline batteries. _________________________________________________________________________ Plastic Bag Recycling May 7/07
There has been a lot of discussion over the issue of plastic bags, recycling and user fees. I’m sure that the idea of a “green tax” placed on yet another consumer item will not get a lot of positive response. However, when we look at drink containers and paints, an environmental deposit does go a long way to help our environment.
But the real question is, do we need plastic bags to be included? Waste plastic represents 13% of the total composition of the Regional Landfill in Cedar. That means about 8,000 tonnes of plastic went into the landfill in 2006. But of that amount, how much was plastic shopping bags?
The main target in the current debate is grocery shopping bags. The number of grocery bags produced for use in North America alone is in the neighbourhood of 400,000 per minute. That is a lot of bags, but they are not the only culprit out there for filling up our landfill or littering our lands, lakes and oceans. Plastic packaging is also a huge contributor to the overall plastic problem that faces our environment.
But the grocery bag is easy to identify and therefore makes for a good candidate as the next waste material to reduce and manage properly.
My personal view on the issue may not be the most popular. I look at the situation from start to finish and how each of the 3R’s can be introduced into a new strategy for the plastic grocery bag.
Grocery bags have some very positive traits that we as consumers can utilize so their effect on the environment is reduced. First, they are a reusable item. They can be used as a grocery bag again, filled at home with items for storage or for a trip to a reuse-it centre, or be used one last time as a waste can liner. By reusing your plastic bags, you “reduce” the need for more plastic bags. I am sure Mr glad is a little disappointed that I don’t buy garbage can liners for my home.
Recycling the bag is also a very good option. Typically, the bags are manufactured using #2 or #4 plastic. Both of these plastics are considered a valuable resource for the manufacture on new plastic goods, including new bags. To make recycling easy, grocery stores have a collection area for them. Also, the City of Nanaimo, through its curbside recycling program, accepts plastic grocery bags within the “mixed recycling” bag. The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange has been accepting grocery bags since 2003, and has found a thriving market for the used bags.
With so many options already available to us to reuse and recycle the bags, why is there talk of an environmental levy being implemented? Well, when faced with a new cost when out shopping, there is a good chance consumers will be a little more motivated to choose a greener approach to shopping. When Ireland introduced the Bag Tax, there was a 95% reduction in use. Also, 18 million dollars was raised for use in other recycling initiatives.
Sounds like the way to go. Stewardship programs are gaining a lot of momentum with many items in the consumer market. Provincial government has legislation for 8 different consumer goods with environmental fees attached to them to support a waste reduction and responsible disposal of this group of goods. Will bags be number 9? Maybe there are worse items out there to address as far as polluters? For instance, cleaners, herbicides, glues, and many other dangerous chemicals we find in our homes for every day use. At least with the bags, there are a lot of options available, we just have to exercise the right decision.
_________________________________________________________________________ How Big Is Your Ecological Footprint? April 30/07 The Ecological Footprint is the area of biologically productive land and water required to support our lifestyles. Ecological Footprint analysis can be used as a tool to raise awareness about the demands we make on the environment to supply our consumption needs and habits, and reabsorb the wastes generated from our activities. Individual life-style choices have a strong influence on the ecological footprint. These choices include housing, transportation, food, energy and water consumption, and other non-consumptive goods. Calculate your ecological footprint on the planet http://www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp#. On average, a Canadian’s Ecological Footprint is 7.8 hectares or approximately the size of 15 football fields. Only the United States and Australia have larger footprints at 10.3 and 9.0 hectares respectively. To compare, the average person in India has a footprint of 0.8 hectares, almost 90% smaller than the average Canadian footprint. In the United Kingdom and Germany, average footprints are 5.2 and 5.3 hectares respectively, or about 32% smaller than ours. The top five things we can do to reduce our footprints? 1. Reduce water and energy consumption and install water- and energy-efficient devices at home and at work. 2. Use alternative modes of transportation (e.g., walking, cycling and public transportation). 3. Buy fresh food that is locally produced. 4. Practice the 3Rs. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. 5. Buy products that are made with the materials that are collected in your recycling program and close the loop by Buying Recycled.
_________________________________________________________________________ Easy Drop-off for Yard & Garden Debris March 4/07
With a couple of warm days in between snow flurries, the grass has already started to grow. What this means is it’s time to look at how to get your yard and garden back into shape after a long winter of wind, snow and rain.
One of the more difficult tasks facing the weekend gardener/landscaper is the ability to discard the yard and garden or “green waste” responsibly and conveniently. With a ban on backyard burning, it is necessary to find a home for that green waste that just won’t fit into the composter.
Several options exist for the disposal of green waste. There are three drop-off locations here in the Nanaimo area. At the top of Dumont Road there is a drop site. The Cedar Landfill also accepts yard & garden debris. New this year is the addition of the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) accepting green waste.
Composting is the predominant end result for the collected material. Green waste is an excellent source of carbon, which is a required ingredient for any size composting operation, from your balcony to industrial operations like the one at Duke Point. The plant debris is ground-up in large grinders until they are chip size. Once placed into a compost operation, the material breaks down and is a component of the finished compost. Larger wood chips that are not fully decomposed, are reintroduced into the compost digesters for further composting.
Some green waste is directed to fuel-to-energy operations here on the Island. Although the thought of burning material is somewhat concerning when we think of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, technology and legislation is in place to ensure the environment is protected.
It is important to remember that green waste does not include treated wood. Because of the way yard and garden waste is processed for composting, the presence of nails, staples, paint, stain and preservatives would result in costly repair to grinders and a compost product that has poisons in it. Keep in mind that there is a separate waste stream for any processed wood like lattice, 2x4’s, decking, fence posts and wooden planters. Yard and garden debris is best identified as anything that has grown in your yard or garden.
_________________________________________________________________________ Recycling, abuse it and you lose it! February 25/07
Once again, a few self-serving abusers of a recycling program spoil it for everyone else in the community. I am referring to the recently removed recycling containers located in the Rutherford Mall parking lot along side Uplands Road.
An agreement between DBL Disposal Services and Rutherford Mall Administration to provide large roll-off containers for general recycling purposes was cancelled as a result of the continued garbage contamination. Despite posted warnings of the possible removal of the recycling bins if contamination was not stopped, the garbage continued to pile up.
TV’s, computer monitors, paint, corrosive chemicals, tires, mattresses… the list is endless for the type of items left at the site. What couldn’t fit into the bin was placed beside it.
What are these people thinking? Do they honestly think that this illegal dumping will not cost the hauling company and the Mall anything to collect, sort, transport and dump the garbage items in the landfill? Even if some items are recyclable such as computer monitors, there is a cost associated to getting that monitor to the proper recycling facility for processing.
The problem is not confined to the Nanaimo District. Where there is a 24 hour unattended recycling drop-off site, you will find the same story of people misusing the containers. That is why so many have been phased out.
There is a misconception surrounding the recycling component of the waste management industry. It is believed by many that there is great revenue to be had from the recycling of paper, plastics, tin cans, glass and cardboard. Unfortunately that is not the case. In the example of glass, it is actually a cost to the recycler. When the cost of containers, trucks, fuel, processing equipment, staff and a number of other related expenditures are added up, that tonne of cardboard is not that valuable anymore. This is why it is imperative for the people using any depot or curbside recycling program to follow the rules and help make a contaminant free collection of recyclables.
If people do not use a program properly, changes will be made that will most likely make it more difficult and/ or more expensive to recycle. In the case of the Rutherford Mall bins being removed, there is now only one 24 hour unattended site available in Nanaimo, located in the Woodgrove Shopping Centre parking lot beside White Spot.
The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) has extended hours to help ease this problem. The gates are open from 7 am to 7 pm 7 days a week. In addition, staff and volunteers are present to assist and answer any questions you may have on the topic of recycling. _________________________________________________________________________
Recycling exchange digging new home: Saturday, February 24, 2007 Extra space means more room for tires, yard waste, and paper milk cartons The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange is settling into its new location at 2477 Kenworth Rd. Gail Beaudoin, the NRE's office manager, said the busy recycling operation has been running more smoothly since it abandoned its old (and much smaller) McCullough Road location in December. She said the extra space at the new site has allowed the NRE to take more recyclable items like tires, yard waste and paper milk cartons. "Of course we also still accept all the other recyclable material we always did, but now we can take more of that as well," she said. Beaudoin said some people don't like the fact that the city's recycling bins on Labieux Road, open to the public 24/7, were incorporated into the NRE's new yard. "But we're open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, so there's plenty of time for people to drop off their recyclables," she said. "And many people misused the (unsupervised) Labieux Road bins, just dumping their material there. They have to sort it at our yard." With a 30% increase in use at the McCullough Road location since the NRE first began there in 1987, the non-profit organization started looking for a larger home last year. More than 5,000 people a month were using facilities on McCullough Road, stretching the small location's facilities and causing traffic jams on the road. Beaudoin said traffic at the new location can enter and exit from both sides of the site without having to back up to exit and the yard can comfortably handle 30 cars at one time. _________________________________________________________________________
Recycling 2007 January 24/07 article
We are a few weeks into the New Year and maybe it’s time to revisit that 2007 resolution. Getting in shape, more time with loved ones, stop smoking and many other classic resolutions often lose their lustre as we get back into the daily grind. Well, not to say that those goals are not important, but here is a different kind of aspiration for you, it’s a Green Resolution.
By becoming more involved in the recycling opportunities that exist around you, a sense of personal accomplishment and knowing that you are being environmentally responsible is a good feeling to have. And today, more and more recycling programs are being developed.
Most everybody is doing recycling to some level. However, there is a good chance that more can be done with little effort. To start, take a moment and review what is being diverted from the landfill already from your home. Next, begin to research the many different 3R programs that exist in your community.
For quick information, go to the City of Nanaimo or the Regional District of Nanaimo websites and search under waste management and the environment. The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange offers a comprehensive list to anyone that contacts its information streams.
An easy 1, 2, 3 step process to rejuvenate the level of recycling in your home is quick and inexpensive and can become a part of your everyday activity.
Step one; commit yourself to recycling. It is best to establish a recycling centre so you can make recycling part of your daily routine. If possible, choose a spot in or near the kitchen (where most of the solid waste is generated). It’s good if this spot also is convenient for hauling away items for disposal.
Step two; find the right storage containers for your specific recycling centre. It does not have to be elaborate or expensive, but it must work to handle the different types of sorts and the volumes generated. Make sure that bins do not become too heavy. Be creative with hanging bags, stackable bins, grocery bags and other containers you may have around your home already.
Step three; make it easy to use. Introduce colours, pictures, and signage to help inform everyone how to use the recycling centre. Take a moment to have a practice session with everyone involved so questions and responsibilities can be addressed.
You may not be able to do everything for the environment, but you can take pleasure from the things you can do. A little preparation in your home or your place of work can get you and the ones around you into a recycling program that will work. _____________________________________________________________________________ Old Medication is Hazardous Waste February 28/07
A late night trip to the medicine cabinet to find relief for an infants soaring fever became a more complex task than originally anticipated. Although the cabinet was stocked full of medications, most of the contents had expired or were prescriptions that were no longer needed.
A quick trip to a local convenience store provided the needed relief from the fever. But what of the medicine cabinet that contained numerous prescription drugs, over the counter medications and some older vitamins and minerals that were not usable any more? The first thought that comes to mind is the garbage can or down the drain. However, this is not the most environmentally sound method for disposal of waste pharmaceutical products.
Medicines are potentially hazardous to the environment if disposed of in landfills or the sewer. A combination of the chemical ingredients that make up the various medications can create a health risk to waste management workers as well as contaminating ground water.
To address the problem of safe medicine disposal, the pharmaceutical industry voluntarily established the Medications Return Program in November 1996 and was regulated under the Post-Consumer Residual Stewardship Program Regulation in 1997. Pharmaceutical producers are currently regulated under the Recycling Regulation and their program allows consumers to return (at no charge) their residual medications to most pharmacies in the province.
To find out if a pharmacy near you is involved in the take-back program, call or logon to www.medicationsreturn.ca
The website above takes you to the Post Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association, which oversees the program. Not only are drop-off locations identified but also a comprehensive list of pharmaceutical products is listed to help make your trip fast and complete. At present, there are 23 pharmacy locations in Nanaimo alone that are participating in the program.
A general list of acceptable items under the current program guidelines include: · All prescription drugs· All non-prescription medicines· Herbal products· Mineral supplements· Vitamin supplements· Throat lozenges
The old medications are collected in large pails and sealed for transport when full. The buckets are then shipped to an incinerator where the old medicine is destroyed. In 2005, 18,000 kg’s were collected in BC. Vancouver Island alone contributed almost 5,000 kg’s of the hazardous waste.
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