In Canada, we hear a lot about recycling in Toronto, recycling in our cities, and recycling in provinces. We get data locally as well as nationally that tell us a lot about how we recycle.

Do You Know What Country has the Best Recycling Rate? Take a Guess!

Canada’s recycling rates though don’t often get compared to that of other nations. Most Canadians probably couldn’t tell you where we rank in the world as it relates to the eco-friendliness of our waste management system.

As a means of measuring how effective Canadian waste management is, we’ve used a comparison of recycling rates to determine where we rank. A lot of us take pride in how much recycling we do, as households and collectively.

Compared to other nations, Canada ranks surprisingly low. In fact, we didn’t even make the top 25 countries for recycling rates. The United States, in fact, ranked higher than Canada. Here’s some more info on recycling rates worldwide.

Germany is #1

Germany has the world’s best recycling rate of any country and is consistently ranked as one of the most eco-friendly nations. Germany recycles a whopping 65 percent of its total waste. Although this is excellent, they also don’t carry any landfills and incinerate roughly 35 percent of their waste including significant portions of that which go without any sort of energy recovery. From this standpoint, there may be some debate on how eco-friendly Germany actually is.

The top 10 recycling rates

Filling out the top 10 recycling rates by country is South Korea at #2 with a recycling rate of 59 percent, Austria at #3 with 58 percent, Slovenia at #4 with 58 percent, Belgium at #5 with 55 percent, Taiwan at #6 also with 55 percent, Switzerland at #7 with 51 percent, the Netherlands at #8 with 50 percent, Sweden at #9 also with 50 percent, and Luxembourg at #10 with 48 percent.

Canada ranks #26

Canada has the world’s 26th best recycling rate. We recycle 24 percent of all municipal waste, incinerate about 4 percent, and approximately 72 percent of it ends up landfill-bound. Admittedly, this isn’t good. Even in cities like Toronto and Ottawa where recycling rates are a little better than in other parts of the country, there’s still a lot more we could be doing as a nation to increase landfill diversion, up what we recycle, and ultimately produce a more eco-friendly country.

Can Canada do more?

What top ranking countries have in common is that they maintain government policies that encourage recycling, they have waste management systems which incentivize household recycling, there are financial resources to fund recycling, and financial incentives are even included in these systems. Could Canada be doing more – absolutely.

There are countries out there with ambitious recycling targets and zero waste commitments. Canada’s targets don’t compare. For everything a place like Toronto or the GTA can do, this is not a ‘Toronto problem’ nor is it an ‘Ontario problem’. Canada-wide, there’s more to be done, and we need the political leadership and financial investments to make it possible.

If you’re seeking to better your waste management, landfill diversion rates, and recycling, as a household, industrial site, or commercial office, contact a representative at Core Mini Bins. In Toronto waste management, we’re the best and we’d be happy to help you increase your recycling.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/702-do-you-know-what-country-has-the-best-recycling-rate-take-a-guess.html

Plastics are recyclable, did you know? It’s not really spoken about often in mainstream media or on social media as so much of the conversation is dominated about problems with plastic recycling but yes, plastics can be recycled. That said, there are different types of plastics and recyclability varies. It all comes down to the number. Here’s what we mean.

What Do the Recycling Numbers 1-7 on Plastics Mean for your Renewables

Plastic products are stamped with a number between one and seven, in the center of a symbol. This is the ‘resin identification code’ which recycling plants use to sort plastics. Some recycling plants only accept certain kinds of plastics while others need the plastics separated. These numbers are very important. From a consumer perspective, it also will tell you whether a plastic product will be recycled or not.

1 – polyethylene terephthalate

Plastics with a ‘1’ are PET plastics. This is the most recycled plastic there is and the one most frequently handled by consumers. Polyethylene terephthalate is commonly used in things like peanut butter jars, beverage and water bottles, microwave food trays, and salad dressing bottles.

2 – high density polyethylene

Plastics with a ‘2’ or known as HDPE plastics. They are used in things like milk containers, laundry detergent bottles, motor oil bottles, and some shopping bags. HDPE plastics are generally preferred in manufacturing over PET, for some products, as it’s tougher.

3 – polyvinyl chloride

Plastics with a ‘3’ are PVC which are not used so much in general consumer products. PVC is found in pipes, most popularly. That said, ‘3’ plastics also appear in some shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, medical tubing, wire jacketing, and surface cleaner bottles.

4 – low density polyethylene

Plastics with a ‘4’ are LDPE, closely related to HDPE. LDPE is very problematic in recycling as it’s plastic which oftentimes gets caught in sorting machines. LDPE is used frequently in condiment bottles, toys, grocery bags, frozen food bags, and produce bags.

5 – polypropylene

Plastics with a ‘5’ are PP. This recyclable plastic has a high melting point which is why it’s the choice for any container for a hot liquid. Think syrups, ketchups, and even medicine bottles. PP’s relied on for each of these. It’s also found in bottle caps and straws, as well as other single-used products.

6 – polystyrene

Plastics with a ‘6’ are PS which is one of the most versatile plastics there is. PS can be easily manipulated into diverse products such as a soft foam or hardened into something like a Blu-ray case. PS is used most commonly in some takeout containers, disposable plates and cutlery, and plastic egg cartons.

7 – miscellaneous

Anything that doesn’t fit into the prior 6 categories needs to be put somewhere. Enter in plastics with a ‘7’. Things like oven-baking bags, multi-gallon jugs of office water, and other products employ plastics from this category. It is rare to see a ‘7’ in general consumer goods.

Every municipality is different in recycling. Toronto does recycling different from Vancouver, for example. Some of these plastics are recyclables while others are not. Oftentimes, it also depends on the product itself. Almost all of Canada’s recycling programs accept at least plastics 1 and 2 although the rest of them are subject to different policies according to the municipality.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/700-what-do-the-recycling-numbers-1-7-on-plastics-mean-for-your-renewables-see-here.html

As a demolition contractor in Toronto, environmentally sustainable philosophies guide a lot of planning surrounding what to do with the construction waste we run into. Demolition debris and construction debris may seem like a lot of waste but they can actually contain very valuable elements which can either be reused entirely or recycled into something new.

How Do We Sustainably Manage Construction Waste in a Growing Canadian City

Demolition debris in a city like Toronto consists of waste materials derived from buildings, roads, and bridges. When possible, the sustainable management of handling this debris necessities a consideration of reusing these materials in another building project or to recycling it. When recycled, this helps to cut down on time and costs – both, financially and in energy – associated with procuring new materials.

A lot of construction waste in Toronto are provided in big, bulky, and heavy pieces. They include materials like concrete, wood from buildings, asphalt from roads and roofing shingles, gypsum which is the main component of drywall, metals like stainless steel and aluminum, bricks, glass, plastics, salvaged building components such as doors and windows, fixtures such as those used for plumbing, and, if one’s clearing a site, things like trees, stumps, soil and earth, and rocks.

It is estimated that, Canada-wide, roughly 9 million tons of construction and demolition waste (C&D) is generated every year. This makes up approximately 35% of Canada’s total waste annually. This may seem like a large amount – and for all intents and purposes, it is – however there’s more and more recycling and reuse opportunities that have come up ensuring these materials are put to good use.

For example, a material like aluminum which has a high recyclability rating can be taken from buildings and recycled to make things like beverage cans or inputted into vehicle components. Something like wood can be repurposed in a new home, or in flooring or wood furniture. There are markets for glass, plastics, and concrete. Salvaged building components like windows and doors are also sought after in some home renovation circles.

Of the 9 million tonnes of C&D waste in Canada, approximately 90 percent of it comes directly from demolition companies. Naturally, in demolition, we are handling far more waste than in construction where the focus is on new builds. The amount of waste in this category is growing however again, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Since the mid-1990s, construction and demolition waste amounts have more than tripled. That’s in large part thanks to Canadian cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver expanding and building at the rate they do.

Be it commercial, industrial-based, or residential construction waste, it all needs a company to take it and process it, and ensure it doesn’t all just get lumped into one big sum and tossed into landfills across Ontario. If you don’t have a demolition company in Toronto with an eco-sustainability commitment, get one. It will help you bring down your waste output and you’ll feel much better about the amount of waste construction and renovation processes create.

Do you need a demolition done in Toronto? Core Mini Bins is committed to reducing, recycling, and reusing construction waste materials whenever possible. When we take on a demolition project, not only will you have us there ready and on time, and not only will our performance be everything you expect, but after we get the job done, we’ll do what we can to recycle the materials which can be. Speak with us for more information on how we can help.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/699-how-do-we-sustainably-manage-construction-waste-in-a-growing-canadian-city-read-here.html

‘Being green’ is not just a declaration. It’s more than that and it’s more than a commitment as well. Being eco-friendly and green takes daily effort. For a commercial entity, there’s a lot of opportunities to conduct business in a green way. For the average Canadian living in Toronto though, one’s not necessarily always aware about how the decisions they make on the daily affect others.

Do You Want to be Greener? See 5 Ways to Cut Down on Your Waste this Summer in Toronto

There are a multitude of different ways to go green in Toronto but we’ve boiled it down simply to our top five. Before we jump in though, if you want to live an eco-friendly life, all it takes are decisions. The infrastructure for a zero waste society is still being built. Single persons can only do so much, with the waste management and recycling opportunities around them. That aside, consider these five tips.

Be creative

A huge theme you’ll find in trying to live the greenest life possible is to be creative. If you have a family, consider making this a group activity. Think about some DIY stuff you could do to either reuse or recycle. Did you know you can make your own shampoo and bath products? It’s true! Consider going to events sharing and trading clothes, books, electronics, and more. Look up possible reuse or recycling crafts online! This can get very fun.

Don’t use single-use products

One of the easiest ways to live green is to give up using single-use, non-recyclable products. It’s generally ok if a product is single-use and biodegradable or recyclable because you know it’s lifespan is going to be longer than simple one use. Something like a grocery bag though, it has one purpose and then it ends up in a landfill. Switch to multi-use products and you’ll be playing your part in reducing landfill waste.

Use transit

The TTC isn’t perfect – trust us, we know the worst of it – but public transit in Toronto is an eco-friendly way to travel. Anyone can get virtually anywhere in the GTA if they know what bus, streetcar, or train to take. If you don’t own a vehicle, you likely already have a TTC pass of some kind. Regardless, if you don’t use public transit, consider leaving the car at home and giving it a try. You’ll also save yourself a little on gas money!

Buy local

Whenever possible, buy local from Ontario sources and farmers. There are plenty of places that are offering Ontario-based product so this one shouldn’t be hard to do. By shopping locally, you can also support small businesses that have smaller environmental footprints, in addition to cutting down on transportation energy costs in moving product from far away to here. Local is also so delicious!

Try meatless

You don’t need to become a vegetarian or vegan. That said, limiting meat consumption is a green way to live. Growing meat plays a huge role in creating greenhouse gas emissions. Even reducing your meat consumption by a single meal is enough, on an annual basis to make a difference.

Cutting down on waste in Toronto involves managing your resources, making the right choices, and actively tackling it every day. No matter if you’re a person or a business, sustainable living is more than possible thanks to the diverse collection of resources and advantages we all have to living in such a great city!

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/698-do-you-want-to-be-greener-see-5-ways-to-cut-down-on-your-waste-this-summer-in-toronto.html

Carbon neutral is a society with no net release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, which is accomplishable in the modern age usually by offsetting emissions in some way. By reducing consumption and moving towards zero waste, it’s also possible to help minimize carbon dioxide production or association.

What Does a Carbon Neutral Future Look Like for Canada’s Business Community

Although ‘carbon neutral’ is a concept associated with residential communities, Canada’s business community has also taken a lot of initiative in recycling, donating, reusing, and implementing landfill diversion programs.

Some of the business types in Toronto with carbon neutral or zero waste related goals include restaurants, city suppliers, retailers, hospitality companies, engineering firms, airlines, transportation corporations, law firms, tourism and events management companies, non-profits, grocers, auto-body shops, newspapers, financial institutions, and universities. There are literally 100s of small businesses and major corporations doing amazing things in Toronto to limit their waste production.

There’s some debate currently as to whether Canada as a whole is actually carbon neutral. Fortunately, we have significant amounts of forest which help to offset a lot of the waste production and carbon we produce in our cities or urban environments. In fact, some estimates suggest Canada as a country is already absorbing up to 30 percent more CO2 than it emits.

This is excellent news for Canada today but not necessarily for our future. What we mean is Canada’s resources are going to be developed and mined for profit in the century ahead, just like they’ve been in centuries prior. In addition, Canada continues to grow its population in big ways. Cities will expand, new communities are likely to be established, and connections between the city and rural areas are going to become stronger as new infrastructure and transportation frameworks are built. What does this all mean for carbon production? Likely more of it.

Let’s look at Toronto. There are buildings in Toronto which are working towards being carbon-neutral although few have achieved it. In addition, Canadians as a whole produce more greenhouse gas emissions per person than any other G20 economy. That means in a growing, populated region such as the GTA, is carbon neutral even a possibility right now? Absolutely not. There’s still a lot more work that needs to be done to get us to the point where we are carbon neutral across the board.

There are also questions relating to how we can measure and confirm carbon neutrality. For example, a lot of Toronto’s traffic congestion is believed to be associate with ridesharing in part according to recent report. So companies like Lyft, despite maintaining that every ride is carbon neutral, is creating a lot of carbon in the air within Toronto. So assuming Lyft is being truthful – there’s no reason to doubt them – the corporation is carbon neutral but operations in Toronto aren’t necessarily which leaves the City with more carbon and more pollution.

As a Toronto waste management and recycling company, we are concerned about Toronto’s future as a carbon-producing region. Core Mini Bins continues to do its part in offering environmentally sustainable waste management and recycling services to commercial and industrial parties. The solution to a lack of carbon neutrality will likely come from a combination of things. Regardless, we want to be a part of the Toronto of tomorrow and building a carbon neutral city. Join us.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/697-what-does-a-carbon-neutral-future-look-like-for-canada-s-business-community-see-here.html

Organic waste bins are an excellent way to divert materials that could otherwise go to the landfill. About half of Toronto’s population lives in either condos, apartments, or co-operatives. It’s believed that among high-rise condo residents, only 25 percent of them compost organics. Evidently, this means the other 75 percent are throwing food scraps in with their garbage or potentially recycling, complicating matters further.

Should Organic Waste Bins be Mandatory for Condos and Apartments – our thoughts

In Ontario, there’s a lot of discussion that’s happened in recent years around organic waste and what to do with it in a growing metropolitan like the GTA. In late 2017, a report was released suggesting Ontario’s landfill space will completely run out within two decades and in an effort to reduce, the provincial government began to consider a ban on organics in general trash. Although this hasn’t come to be – at least, as yet – this may be on the table in the future.

Organic waste in landfills is very problematic as it decomposes quickly and produces very toxic, harmful gases. Ontario generates roughly 3.7 million tonnes of organic waste every year, accounting for six percent of our total emissions. There are cities like Toronto wherein residents aren’t educated on what goes in the blue bin and what goes in the green bin, resulting in 40 percent of what’s being put in as trash actually being organic.

In Toronto, organic waste collection is provided to roughly 65 percent of our multi-residential buildings. The remainder either have private pick-up or all food waste is gathered alongside garbage and sent to the landfill. Would a ban on organic waste in trash encourage condo developments and apartment buildings in Toronto to make a change? Potentially. Metro Vancouver has instituted such a ban resulting in over 60,000 additional tonnes of organics being diverted away from landfills. The province of Nova Scotia also has had a ban on organic waste in garbage for over 20 years with strong success.

Alternative to a ban on organic waste contamination, another option proposed is mandatory organic waste separation in condos and apartments. Why collection varies building to building has to do with building codes. A lot of the newer units have mandatory recycling and organics collection, when they’re under City of Toronto waste collection. The units that have private collection services do not have any recycling responsibility. The Food and Organic Waste Framework is seeking a ban on any and all waste that can be diverted from an Ontario landfill beginning in 2022 however it remains to be seen how achievable this goal is.

Looking to the City of Ottawa, they are considering a mandatory green bin program for all multi-residential dwellings. In Ottawa, it’s worse than it is in Toronto with only 29 percent of condo dwellings and apartment buildings participating in their compost program. Toronto’s numbers aren’t perfect, regardless, which highlights a growing concern among organic waste and recycling activists.

Should organic waste bins be mandatory for apartment buildings and condo developments? Probably, yes. If we are serious about increasing Toronto’s landfill diversion and recycling rates, ensuring we are not tossing anything we don’t need to in our garbage is important. We know residents want to do better. The only thing stopping some of them is the infrastructure. Condos and apartments need to implement that infrastructure – the responsibility is on them.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/696-should-organic-waste-bins-be-mandatory-for-condos-and-apartments-our-thoughts.html

In demolitions and excavations, we oftentimes come across large amounts of waste that is otherwise sent to our Canadian landfills no questions asked. Fortunately, when you work with an environmentally sustainable and committed Toronto demolition company, you have a partner who’s looking for ways to make the most from the unavoidable waste created.

Demolition Debris is a Recycling Goldmine that Can Save Money and Maximize Resources

Reducing waste is a huge focal point of contemporary demolition work. By reducing our landfill waste, what would otherwise be sent to the landfill can be repurposed and recycled in one way or another. All the air, soil, and water pollution which has traditionally been associated with construction and landfills are done away with, if we can successfully conserve the energy, resources, and waste products we have. How do we do this, from the perspective of waste in demolition – here’s your answer.

Toronto’s a city in heavy development and among all the debates happening around new constructions, there’s a commitment there by almost every builder and city official to build sustainably. What this means is green building construction and demolition. Any materials removed from a property are considered for reuse or recycling. Thankfully, a lot of demolition materials are recyclable. Aggregates can be derived from reclaimed crushed concrete, salvaged lumber, or drywall scraps.

Once a building has been designated for a tear-down and demolition, city officials and stakeholders already know there’s going to be a large amount of waste created. Concrete, wood, drywall, and other types of masonry can be safely removed from a building and repurposed. The process of doing this is called ‘deconstruction’, which is the orderly dismantling of a building and its components. Old-school demolitions would simply knock a property down and haul everything off to the landfill, without sorting anything or consideration. When one deconstructs, a property is carefully evaluated. Things like cabinetry, windows, fixtures, and at times, even the framework, has a place in Toronto waste management and recycling.

Demolition companies concern themselves with many aspects of old and new constructions, in addition to sometimes being employed in disaster response efforts. Thankfully, Toronto does not have very many disaster response needs resulting in most demolitions being related to constructions. Sometimes it can be the renovation of a century-old building, restoring brownfield sites, or decommissioning an industrial site.

Brownfield sites are in particular something Ontario has several of. These are sites contaminated with hazardous materials of some kind – sometimes dry-cleaning plants, gas stations, or old industrial sites.

Regardless of whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial, demolition companies excel at removing materials in a safe, effective, and eco-friendly manner. Unfortunately, not enough attention is paid to the wealth of materials that are removed from Toronto demolitions. There are sometimes entire goldmines of debris which can be recycled or reused in some manner. Large quantities of metals, bricks, aggregate materials, and other resources are not there to be thrown away. These materials can be refurnished, recycled, or reused, deriving potentially millions of dollars in profit as well as saving energy on the production of metals and other construction materials.

For the housing, parks, community centers, commercial buildings, and industrial sites that make up the GTA, demolition companies are a somewhat untapped stakeholder in the conservation and renewal of our environment. To learn more about the impact eco-friendly demolition can have on your next construction project, speak with a representative at Core Mini Bins today.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/695-demolition-debris-is-a-recycling-goldmine-that-can-save-money-and-maximize-resources.html

If you’ve recently watched HBO’s Chernobyl miniseries, you’ve seen the damage radiation and nuclear power can have on a community.

In Canada, a lot of community members aren’t even aware that we have nuclear waste plants and nuclear facilities located in key regions. In fact, Canada’s largest nuclear waste dump in history is only 2 hours outside of Toronto in a small municipality known as Bruce County.

Where is Canada’s Largest Nuclear Waste City and Why is it 2 Hours Outside Toronto – see here

Nuclear energy facilities produce nuclear waste. Coming from nuclear reactor sites in Darlington and Pickering in Ontario, Gentilly in Quebec, Point Lepreau in New Brunswick, and even Bruce County’s own Bruce Nuclear Generating Station. Bruce County is being considered by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization as the burial place for decades of power generation waste products, from the past and continued in the future.

All in all, the organization needs to bury 5 million bundles of nuclear fuel. There is so much radioactive waste that needs to be transported to Bruce County that it is likely to take more than 40 years to safely complete these journeys.

This past May 2019, the aforementioned NWMO begun seeking option agreements from landowners to allow for site testing and drilling. The organization wants to purchase roughly 1,500 acres from one or more landowners to begin building these underground containment centers alongside the surface buildings that will be required. Although Bruce County has more than 6 decades of nuclear history behind it, this is a big ask.

Canada has and will continue to produce significant amounts of nuclear waste, controversial to some. Although the waste we have needs to be dealt with, we are living in an age where more and more, sustainable waste management, recycling, and energy creation from renewable sources is reality. Assuming Bruce County is selected by the NWMO to be Canada’s biggest nuclear waste city – and it’s nearly a sure thing it will be – how does that bode for the future?

Should Canada stop producing nuclear waste – some would say, without hesitation, absolutely. The NWMO has been trying to decide since 2010 where to put this waste, whittling down the list from 22 communities to 5. Drilling is expected to commence in Bruce County next year to determine and confirm it is the right site for this waste. Then, a final decision will be made in 2023.

Canada’s nuclear waste fuel bundles as of June, 2018 sits at 2.9 million total although the life cycle’s forecast includes 5.2 million. Each weighs approximately 24 kg. These are essentially collections of bundles, each shaped like a fireplace log and each filled with pellets of used nuclear fuel. For the fuel to return to its natural state, it will take the radioactive uranium more than a million years.

Although Bruce County is as good an option as anywhere else in Canada, why isn’t more effort being made to move away from processes which generate literal tons of highly problematic nuclear waste? As Ontario seeks to be labeled as ‘eco-friendly’ and become greener, these efforts should also involve evaluating alternatives to producing nuclear waste. From our perspective, most waste can be managed. Nuclear waste cannot. That’s why our only containment and processing option is to bury it. The further into the twenty-first century we go, the more we are going to have to realize alternatives are needed.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/694-where-is-canada-s-largest-nuclear-waste-city-and-why-is-it-2-hours-outside-toronto-see-here.html

Cities like Toronto enjoy thinking of themselves as eco-friendly and environmentally advanced in comparison with other regions in Canada. But, where does Toronto actually rank in relation to similar metropolitan areas such as Calgary, Vancouver, and other Canadian strongholds? Surprisingly, Toronto may not be the greenest city Canada has.

What are Canada’s Greenest Cities and Where Does Toronto Rank – see here!

 

Montreal, QC

Toronto’s sports team rival Montreal, Quebec is one of Canada’s greenest cities. Montreal became one of the first to prioritize environmental sustainability in the 1990s, has a developed transportation and cycling system, and has numerous green spaces throughout its region.

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver has a strong reputation for being environmentally-friendly. Many would agree, Vancouver is sufficiently ahead of Toronto in terms of eco-sustainability. Despite being Canada’s densest city, the city generates more than 93 percent of its electricity via sustainable resources such as hydroelectric. Vancouver is committed to building a zero waste city by 2040 and achieving 100 percent renewable energy consumption by 2050. Unlike other cities who’ve proclaimed similar things, Vancouver’s the closest to achieving it.

Quebec City, QC

Quebec City has over a hundred parks and gardens to its name, an established public transportation system, and much opportunity to ride bicycles or enjoy walks. Quebec City’s greenest accomplishment is it ranks #1 in Canada with relation to eco-friendliness of home heating systems, with more than 90 percent of properties being equipped with electric power which are believed to be more environmentally sustainable than fuel-based heating services.

Victoria, BC

Victoria is regularly rated as among the top cities in the world for quality of life. The city has hundreds of kilometres of bike paths and is well known for being the bicycle capital of Canada. Victoria has the most commuters biking to work than any other city in Canada, in addition to the 10 percent who walk to work every day which is also more than any other Canadian city. Unlike Toronto, approximately 97 percent of Victoria residents have green space within walking distance.

Calgary, AB

Calgary and Alberta in general are very big on oil and fossil fuels. That aside, we can’t ignore Calgary’s a very green city. It’s consistently ranked one of the cleanest cities in the world, with a highly effective water waste management system, a strong and well-developed public transportation system, and an impressive network of parks and green spaces. In many ways, Calgary’s comparable to Toronto on these points.

Toronto, ON

Considering these cities, Toronto is not far behind but in many ways, it is very much behind. The GTA was first formed in 1998 and since then has implemented numerous waste management sustainability and recycling policies. Commercial roofs built post-2009 in Toronto are required to have green roofs, there are plenty of existing green spaces within city limits, and our public transportation system is the most used in Canada. In fact, more than 30 percent of people in Toronto don’t drive to work – they take transit.

There’s still a lot for Toronto to do in order to achieve its full potential in sustainability and eco-friendliness. Thankfully, the opportunity hasn’t been lost – not yet. To be Canada’s most environmentally friendly city, investments in waste management, recycling, eco-friendly construction, public transportation, and sustainable infrastructure is required. Toronto has Canada’s brightest minds, arguably. Let’s make our city just as bright. Let’s be bold and achieve!

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/693-what-are-canada-s-greenest-cities-and-where-does-toronto-rank-see-here.html

Demolition site safety is a concern for any party working in construction. Hazards are common and demolition has its own unique cluster of issues that need to be addressed prior to getting started.

How Do We Plan for a Safe Demolition and Excavation on an Industrial Site – read here!

To combat safety hazards on-site, Toronto demolition and excavation companies must always follow best practices and comply with the provincial regulations. Identifying and mitigating hazards could save a life. One doesn’t need to sacrifice efficiency to get it done. Thankfully, an experienced team of demolition workers won’t need this explained to them. Accurate, well-developed planning, using the right protective equipment, and ensuring workers are fully safety-trained are all important.

Every demolition is going to be a little different, depending on the structure and the nature of what’s requested. New risks can also present when there are changes to a building’s design somewhere along the construction process, alterations or adaptations to the original design, unknown weaknesses in the construction materials, or the discovery of materials like asbestos, lead, silica, beryllium, other chemicals, or heavy metals which require special handling.

For this reason, every member of our demolition team is fully instructed on demolition safety hazards and how to handle them. Safety precautions aren’t just something for management to follow. All stakeholders must actively participate in identifying potential issues. In demolition, engineering surveys are used to ensure there is no risk of building collapse and to evaluate the condition of materials. Utilities are located and secured prior to any igging, first aid supplies are held on site in case of emergency medical services, and there are always fire prevention plans.

Every demolition worker is also equipped with the necessary safety equipment to ensure that, in the event of any safety incident, they are protected. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may include protection for the face, eyes, feet, and head; hearing protection; respiratory protection; and a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). Depending on if there are any welding or cutting operations happening, other protective clothing may be provided. Each piece of protective wear’s inspected to ensure it properly fits and the wearer knows how to use it.

We’ve had years of experience working on Toronto demolition projects and safety’s always prioritized on every site. There’s too much at risk to not continually prioritize a safe construction area. The safety of our workers and the efficiency of the projects we work on rely on it. Best practices and regulations, in our experience, enhance the effectiveness of operations.

The responsibilities of any demolition company is to mitigate risk and prevent hazards. Through pursuing a safety-first agenda, one significantly lowers the risk of injuries and employees are protected.

For your next construction project, if you’re in need of demolition or excavation services in the GTA, choose to partner with a company that values safety efficiencies on-site. Core Mini Bins is experienced in all types of demolitions, small and large. We’ve participated in hundreds of demolitions over the years from Mississauga to Scarborough and beyond. For a safe demolition from an expert team, please contact one of our representatives today. We’d be happy to evaluate the requirements of your project and to assist any way we can.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/692-how-do-we-plan-for-a-safe-demolition-and-excavation-on-an-industrial-site-read-here.html

Environmental interest is at an all-time high today. People all around the world are trying to take a more mindful and less wasteful approach to nearly every aspect of their lives. Demolition is something that a lot of people might not have a direct hand in, but it’s something that happens on a regular basis. Older buildings need to be taken down to make room for new developments. Deconstruction is a more environmentally conscious approach to routine demolition. It’s a method through which the proven principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle are applied.

Is ‘Deconstruction’ a more Advantageous Service than a Demolition – Here’s our Thoughts!

Traditional demolition is primarily focused on tearing down and hauling out. This was a viable solution for a long time. Seemingly endless natural resources and a lack of environmental awareness led to the dominance of simply throwing away old construction. Deconstruction in Toronto is a different approach, the careful taking down of construction such that materials can be reused. This is becoming more popular, as people come to have a deeper understanding of how resources and the environment must be managed.

The construction industry is a major contributor to solid waste in landfills. It’s believed that between demolition, renovations, and new construction, twenty-five percent of the volume entering landfills is directly from construction. Through the application of a deconstruction approach in place of demolition, twenty million tons of this landfill waste could be avoided. Landfill use is one of the most pressing environmental issues that the world is currently facing, this reduction of construction waste could be a major contribution to ongoing environmental efforts.

Landfills are a cause of numerous environmental hazards that need to be alleviated. One of the primary concerns is the production of greenhouse gases through incineration. This is the fate of a substantial amount of demolition waste. Most construction products are combustible, and incineration is an expedient solution. Deconstruction will help keep those gases out of the atmosphere. Landfills also commonly result in groundwater contamination. Finding better direct uses for demolition waste can help keep potentially hazardous compounds out of the water.

Environmentalism isn’t the only factor to take into account while considering deconstruction. In many cases it also has financial advantages over traditional. Recovering construction materials is especially useful when another building is going to be put up immediately. The savings are compounded several times over. The most efficient way of saving money on waste disposal is to find a valuable use for the waste. Through deconstruction the cost of waste disposal is turned into savings on building materials. If the materials aren’t need they could also potentially be donated.

Deconstruction has become one of the most viable and attractive demolition methods in use today. Demolitions and renovations are common occurrences that need to be handled in a thoughtful and developed manner. More and more people are turning to deconstruction every year. The twin benefits of environmental conservation and financial savings are highly alluring to the modern homeowner. Those looking for this service should ensure that the company they choose is reliable and responsible.

Any party seeking a deconstruction or demolition in Toronto and the GTA, choose Core Mini Bins. There aren’t many companies who take the time, like we do, to reduce waste and recycle the waste we collect and manage. Not only will you receive a job done right but rest assured any opportunity there is to reuse, conserve, and save, we’ve taken it.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/691-is-deconstruction-a-more-advantageous-service-than-a-demolition-here-s-our-thoughts.html

Waste disposal is a pressing concern in today’s society. Landfills are starting to fill up and it’s crucial that a great effort is made by to slow this down. There are many ways that people can reduce their trash footprint. The primary concepts for cutting down on waste are the same as they’ve always been – reduce, reuse, and recycle. These simple ideas can be applied and executed in a number of different ways, and they can be tailored to almost any waste situation. Developing a concise, achievable, and practical plan for waste disposal is a fine first step towards a greener tomorrow.

How to Gain Control over Your Waste, and the Power of Reducing and Recycling

The first consideration in producing such a plan is to determine what it is that will be recycled. Identifying the places where recyclable materials are leaving to the landfill is of primary concern. Waste streams should be analyzed in order to determine that main categories that make up the bulk of the potentially recyclable waste. For many people these are paper, cardboard, and plastics. One thing to keep in mind that there are different types of plastics and not all of them are recyclable. Those that are recyclable can be further separated into different categories of plastic.

Once the ‘what’ of recycling is determined, it’s time to elaborate on the ‘where’. The placement of waste and recycling bins within the home is one of the deciding factors on whether a recycling plan will fail or succeed. If it’s more convenient to throw something into the trash than into a recycling bin, recyclables will continue to find their way into the trash. Space is probably the strictest restriction when it comes to bin placement. One solution is to downsize a garbage receptacle to make room for recycling beside it. Recycling bins should never be kept in a low traffic area such as a garage.

Recycling is a crucial part of the solution to today’s environmental problems. That being said, it is only one part out of many. Reduce is another of the main principles that need to be considered. There isn’t any need to worry about whether or not something is going to be recycled if it is never produced and used in the first place. Taking a closer look at things before they enter the home can go a long way. Ideally, the majority of waste that would be leaving to a landfill shouldn’t be entering the home at all. Reducing plastic packaging and bags is one example of this concept.

The combination of both reducing and recycling can help to drastically cut the landfill contribution of any home or business. Taking the effort to shop around for products with minimal packaging can reduce waste drastically on its own. Combining this with the responsible recycling of any unavoidable packaging can bring that waste down to absolute minimum. It’s also important to ask where waste is ending up. Most waste management companies are glad to explain the process to customers and can offer some great new tips on how to recycle efficiently.

If you’re seeking more control over your waste, including how to minimize what’s going to the landfill and increase your home recycling numbers, Core Mini Bins would love to help. We can assist with any waste disposal, recycling, or collection needs. If you have materials or items you believe can be reused or recycled, a representative would love to speak with you about the options available to you.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/690-how-to-gain-control-over-your-waste-and-the-power-of-reducing-and-recycling.html