Electronic waste has so much useful material included in the designs of the many devices that comprise it. Glass, plastic, and an assortment of high-value metals exist here, usually given to landfills unfortunately.

Only recently have we in Canada come to the conclusion that there may be some value in recycling our electronic waste. There’s no reason for our devices to end up in a landfill. The electronics supply is sizeable, with more than 2 billion new smartphone being sold worldwide. Combined with other devices, there’s so much recycling potential. Among the metals in them, there’s even some gold. Here’s a little bit more about the electronics waste industry and who’s getting rich from e-waste in Canada.

Who is Getting Rich from Our Tech, Electronic Waste – E-Waste in Canada

How do we recycle electronic waste in Canada?

E-waste in Canada is usually incinerated, when recycled, to procure the metals inside these devices. Roughly 90 percent of Canada’s electronic waste is burned. Then harsh, dangerous chemicals are used to separate and extract the gold, silver, copper, aluminum, copper, and platinum. Chemicals are needed because as everything’s incinerated, the metals unfortunately lump together.

The same recycling processes used today are in fact identical to what was used 200 years ago. Some may say this is a very inefficient way of processing electronic waste in Canada and they aren’t wrong. Cyanide, arsenic, and hydrochloric acid are all used to extract metals from electronics, or metals lumped together, just like they were used long ago.

How much is e-waste in Canada actually worth?

Although each small device may not carry much value in it, a collection of them can have massive amounts of money attached. Collecting old computers, Apple devices, iPhones, Blackberrys, Android phones, and more. They all come with a price tag. For example, a single iPhone contains about $0.02 of platinum, $0.05 of aluminum, $0.12 of copper, $0.36 of silver, and $1.58 of gold.

Now, in Canada according to figures given in 2010, about 15.2 million mobile devices were discarded – only 1.7 million of which were recycled. Evidently, these aren’t all iPhones but let’s assume they were. If we were to recycle each and every one of these phones, the value would equate to $304,000 of platinum, $760,000 of aluminum, $1.8 million of copper, $5.5 million of copper, and an amazing $24 million in gold. This establishes strong need to collect and recycle these devices. It also doesn’t need to be said but since 2010, the number of discarded mobile devices has only grown.

What’s the fastest growing category of waste in the world?

You guessed it – electronic waste in Canada and worldwide is growing faster than any other type. The numbers in value speaks for itself. A ton of discarded mobile phones yields 150g of gold compared to one ton of ore from a gold mine which on average yields only 5g of gold. These yields are similar for other metals, such as copper and silver.

If we could begin seeing a return from recycling electronic waste, this could potentially take pressure off of the non-environmentally sustainable practices occurring in countries where these metals are being dug out of the ground.

The great thing about recycling e-waste is that it creates a circular economy where there’s no waste and what would normally be waste is exploited to its highest value. As our world continues growing with computers, solar panels, fiber optic cable networks, and the integration of tech through our daily lives, we’re only going to end up with more recyclable electronics.

The selling of e-waste in Canada

Once electronic waste is collected, it is then processed and sold to corporations like the Royal Canadian Mint. There are dozens of brokers buying things like copper, silver, and nickel, which can then be sold to other partners or likely developed into new product.

Though we’ve been talking about cell phones and smartphones, e-waste or electronic waste applies to everything from computers and computer accessories to tablets, televisions, VCRs, stereos, printers, lamps, anything with a circuit boards, radios, calculators, and some small appliances. Across all these, there are oftentimes toxic elements that need to be removed like mercury, lead, selenium, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, and flame retardants.

From refrigerators to our smartphones, they all need to be handled with special waste management processes. This is why private companies exist. They can take over and essentially get rich from our waste.

Skyrocketing waste numbers in Canada

According to 2017 numbers, Canada as a whole generated 638,000 tonnes of electronic waste. With the United States alongside us, by 2025, collectively the number’s expected to grow to 9.25 million metric tonnes and it’s only going to increase from there. This also doesn’t include the numerous tonnes of e-waste generated in years prior. There’s so much electronic waste left forgotten about, either left in landfills or transported to foreign countries.

No 100 percent recovery just yet

Thankfully, recycling processes are still developing. Though the future’s hopeful, as of today, electronics recycling in Canada cannot produce 100 percent recovery rates. There’s also still so much electronics that end up in our landfill which shouldn’t be the case. Tech thrift stores, organizations for charity, and refurbishing businesses are actively looking for e-waste. More municipal programs and regional private initiatives are being launched in the hopes of finding electronic waste.

The bottom line is that there’s a lot of money in electronic waste and this is not something to be ignored. The future of waste management in Canada is going to involve some very big corporations, taking things that we perceive to have no value and transforming them into something that can be sold for profit. Although we advocate for a more localized approach, electronics waste processing is likely going to involve major corporations leading the way. It’s unclear what role, if any, localized government-led initiatives may have.

Are you looking for waste disposal and recycling services in Toronto, Ontario, Canada? We’d absolutely love to help. Core Mini Bins is a high-rated waste management company, also specializing in dumpster rentals and junk removal services. E-waste, or electronics waste, needs proper processing. If you need help, give us a call. Environmentally friendly waste processing is something we’re deeply committed to.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/741-who-is-getting-rich-from-our-tech-electronic-waste-e-waste-in-canada.html

Fitting in a construction or demolition project before the winter sets in, you need a dumpster to move out all that waste you’re about to create. It’s not a bad time of year for it either. The hot weather’s passed and the temperature’s just right to get a demolition done.

Demolitions don’t just mean pulling down a building or something like that. It could be as simple as replacing a roof or pulling down your shed in the backyard. Whatever the project is, you evidently will need a dumpster to safely collect and then remove the materials you no longer want. The right dumpster for demolition debris can mean many things and it’s important to recognize what’s the best size for you.

Demolition Debris Means Selecting the Right Dumpster for Waste Removal

What type of demolition debris are you making?

You need to know the type of debris is accepted by your dumpster rental company. This is as important as anything. Note the type of material you are tearing down. This will affect how a dumpster rental service disposes of it and may come with increased cost. It could also increase weight which means additional fees. Some materials, such as concrete, may be required a separate dumpster. Be honest with your dumpster rental service prior to committing to a rental, about what your demolition debris is.

How much demolition debris can a dumpster hold?

Dumpster rentals for demolition come in all sizes. The amount of waste you will create needs to match the size of your dumpster. Estimate. It can be a challenge but you should be able to determine close to what you need. Measure the structure you’re demolishing to get the square footage. You also want to arrive at an estimate for weight. Any time you go over your dumpster’s size or weight, you could be charged overage fees. If you’re in doubt, talk with your dumpster rental service to see what they recommend.

What happens if I need more space than my dumpster rental allows?

Even when we estimate, plans change and things happen. You may need more space than a dumpster has. Be diligent about what you put in. Unfortunately, with demolition debris, a lot of collection services won’t take them. If you don’t want to keep them, and of course you probably don’t, you need a specialized waste management company who can help. A lot of demolition debris dumpster rental companies offer junk removal as well. If you can’t cut a deal on a secondary dumpster or an upgrade, consider a junk removal service who will hopefully be able to take your waste to a landfill or recycling facility.

A 10-yard dumpster or a 20-yard dumpster

Most home demolitions can get by with a 10-yard dumpster. Most projects shouldn’t need anything more than a 10-yard dumpster. Some will still prefer a 20-yard dumpster. The best thing we probably recommend is talking with your dumpster rental company if you think a 10-yard dumpster’s not going to be able to do it. A 10-yard dumpster measures 12 feet in length, is approximately 4 feet high and is 8 feet in width. A 20-yard dumpster measures 22 feet in length, maintaining more or less the same other measurements.

Do I need a 30-yard dumpster or a 40-yard dumpster?

Size does matter when it comes to a demolition and maybe, instead of the usual 10-yard or 20-yard dumpster, you need more space. Here are some comparison points to keep in mind.

 A 10-yard dumpster – perfect for small full bath renovations.
 A 20-yard dumpster – perfect for large bathroom remodels or small kitchen remodels.
 A 30-yard dumpster – perfect for a small to midsize home demolition and remodelling.
 A 40-yard dumpster – perfect for large kitchen remodelling projects and medium to large home remodels.

Most common types of home demolition debris in Toronto

The top reasons why homeowners rent dumpsters in Toronto for demolition and renovations are removing an interior wall, shed demolition, fence removal, deck removal, flooring or carpet renovations, bathroom remodelling, or kitchen renovation. In any of these cases, the sorts of dumpster debris most common to these projects includes concrete, drywall, bricks, wood, carpeting, and more. Mixing various types of debris without confirming it first with your rental company isn’t ok.

What can I expect to pay if I am over the weight limits?

A lot can happen when you exceed weight limits on a dumpster rental. If it’s too heavy or contaminated, a service may refuse to pick it up although this is extremely rare. What’s most likely going to occur is overage charges. If you casually begin tossing in concrete, asphalt, or other heavy materials, weight adds up rather quickly. Additional charges could equate to $50 to $125 per ton, depending on the company and what dumpster rental you’ve gone with.

Have you ever rented a dumpster before?

If you’ve never rented a dumpster before, the first step is in getting a quote. Once you have decided on what size and type of dumpster you need, there’s some basic information you will want to know. You will want to have the total out-the-door price, any possible overage fees, weight allowances of course, any restrictions on what can or cannot be put into the dumpster, the length you’re allowed to keep the dumpster rental for, and what the procedure is for pick-up.

Some options to get rid of additional demolition debris

If you have a little bit extra in demolition debris, there’s a few ways to get rid of them without adding them to your dumpster. You could give them away for free on a site like Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Classifieds, or similar sites. If you can put any of it at the road for your municipal collector, that’s another option. Taking it to your nearest landfill yourself or a transfer station involves paying dump fees but that’s another way to go about it. If you have stuff like doors, cabinets, appliances, and faucets, you may be able to give these to local charities such as Habitat for Humanity.

Demolition debris is tricky. The right dumpster rental arrangement really simplifies what you need. For a successful demolition, consult with a dumpster rental specialist at Core Mini Bins and be matched with the right size, weight, and agreement to match the requirements of your home demolition.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/740-demolition-debris-means-selecting-the-right-dumpster-for-waste-removal.html

Human population growth has never been higher, and the complex environmental problems caused by this are starting to take effect. Plastics make up a significant fraction of solid waste production worldwide. These plastics are most often recycled by producing intermediary pellets for further processing. Plastic has largely replaced cardboard and glass, in almost all industries. The sheer volume of plastics produced each year makes plastic recycling one of the highest priorities in environmental management. Plastic pellets provide a standardized recycled plastics.

What Are Recycled Plastic Pellets Actually Used For – See the List of What Happens

What is plastic recycling?

Plastic recycling refers to any method of recovering waste or scrap plastic out of otherwise wasted waste streams. The overwhelming majority of plastics are non-biodegradable. This means that any plastics that do work their way into landfills will remain there for time on the scale of thousands of years. Much plastic works its way into the ocean through various routes. It’s estimated that nearly 8 million tons of plastic is added to the ocean every year. This plastic can be ingested by a variety of marine animals, often leading to their death. Recycling helps reduce plastic in the ocean.

Why make plastic pellets?

Pelletizing plastic is one of the most common methods of implementing a standardized and efficient plastic recycling process. Recycling operations can be unwieldy and complex. There are many stages of sorting that are required. Getting the plastic from waste to a feedstock for new production is a major challenge. Most production requires plastic to be of a uniform composition and size to be used as a feedstock. Producing pellets from waste plastic provides this. Note that rather than each factory having to handle raw plastics, it’s a single facility produces the pellets and sells them.

The uses of plastic pellets

The pellets of plastic are used in a wide variety of industries. One of the most common uses is the production of new plastic bottles. These bottles make up a substantial portion of plastic produced and are among the most commonly recycled plastic items. The pellets provide the required uniformity of composition required for the manufacturing process. The pellets are used in the manufacture of many other products that would otherwise require new plastic. Items such as plastic bags and industrial plastic wraps are also commonly produced using pelletized feed stocks.

Factors to consider in pellet production

One of the most significant challenges in plastic recycling is that there are several different types of plastic that are widely used. These different plastics need to be separated, if they are going to be used as raw material for new plastic item production. The different types have varying properties that make them more or less suitable for certain applications. It is not only the specific type of plastic that needs to be taken into account. Pellets also very in their color, typically being either mixed color or transparent. The density of the pellets is also a factor that affects production.

Polyethylene pellets

Polyethylene is one type of plastic that is commonly recycled through the intermediary production of pellets. This plastic is commonly used in the production of wraps, bags, and some plastic piping. Polyethylene pellets are produced in low, medium, and high density pellets. The varying densities are suited to a wide range of applications. Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is another commonly used and recycled plastic. It was widely used in the production of plastic soda bottles and other similar plastic packaging in other industries.

Polypropylene pellets

Another plastic that is widely recycled is polypropylene. This plastic is used in the production of bottle caps, and this is why bottle caps must always be removed before recycling bottles. Bottle caps are a major source for the production polypropylene pellets. The plastic is known for being malleable and light. It is often used in the production of the plastic components of cars, such as bumpers and dashboards. It is easily extruded or molded, meaning it can be used to produce a wide variety of products in multiple industries.

Other common plastics

While polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene make up the majority of recycled plastics, there are other plastics that still take a sizeable share of the recycling market. Polystyrene is the plastic used in the production of Styrofoam. While Styrofoam itself is not recyclable, it is only one form in which polystyrene is used. Other forms can be and are recycled, such as disposable plates and cutlery. Polyvinyl chloride is another recyclable plastic, best known as PVC. It is widely used in the production of piping, and also sees use in flooring and construction.

Bulk pellets

The production of pellets of a certain type, density, and color of plastic is one of the most effective methods of recycling plastic waste. Another method is the production of pellets of bulk plastic. These pellets contain a variety of different types of plastics and are commonly produced from plastic waste that can’t be reasonably sorted. These pellets are often used as a type of fill in certain applications where the only requirement is a reasonably stable bulk material. Often plastic lumber substitutes are produced from these pellets, as the chemical properties are less important.

Plastic aggregates

The pellets also have potential for use as an aggregate in various concrete applications. Aggregates refer to the bulk material that the cement of concrete binds together. Typically these are some form of rocks, gravel, or sand. Most plastics are somewhat reactive to heat, which limits the possible applications in concrete production. There are still many cases where they can be used as a concrete aggregate. With further development the use of recycled plastics pellets of aggregates could become a viable final disposal for low quality plastic waste streams.

Looking forward

Pelletized plastics make up an important part of the overall plastic recycling process. The use of the pellets provides an elegant solution to the many problems posed in the recycling of such a complex waste source. Many common everyday objects have been manufactured using these pellets as their raw materials. As plastic recycling has continued to grow so has the number of applications of plastic pellets. It’s likely that with the growing production of the pellets from plastic waste sources, even more production methods will arise to take advantage of pelletized plastics.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/739-what-are-recycled-plastic-pellets-actually-used-for-see-the-list-of-what-happens.html

Canadian farms and agriculture farming in general generates a number of waste products seemingly daily. Things like empty pesticide containers, oil filters, containers, used tires, used equipment, and more.

In an era where consumers are more closely encouraging the corporations they buy from to responsibly recycle or handle the materials they are manufacturing or selling, farmers are sort of caught in between. Farmers produce a lot of waste and unlike corporations, they don’t have resources to carry out eco-friendly recycling or waste processing on farms in every case.

How Do Canadian Farms Recycle and Dispose of Waste – An Honest Look at Farm Waste

Avoid burning waste

For decades, farmers will remove waste products and either burn them or turn them over to a landfill. By focusing on how we can maximize the potential of farm waste products in Canada, landfill reductions can be made, materials that have been traditionally viewed as waste can potentially by remade into valuable products, and hazardous materials can be safely handled. Regardless, it’s important to note that one should avoid burning waste by all means. In fact, burning some waste products can violate certain environmental or waste legislation.

Farmers want to recycle

If there’s a way to recycle and process waste right, farmers want to know. Farm groups have encouraged Canada to help them recycling more plastic waste and have sought programs to help them move waste off-property and into proper waste management channels. Things like grain bags, plastic twine, and other forms of giant plastics are produced by the ton on farms. Infrastructure or lack thereof has meant many farms having to burn this waste or submit it to municipal landfills. Less than 20 percent of farmers in farm-friendly communities in Alberta send recycling, as an example of the lack of initiative geared towards supporting our farmers.

The role every stakeholder takes

Canadian farmers want to recycling so let’s give them a way! It’s not singularly the farmer’s responsibility to ensure waste products are recycled. There’s a responsibility on all involved to responsibly dispose of, recycle, and monitor waste.

 Manufacturers are responsible for developing and having quality recyclable products. Collecting and ensuring there’s a way to recycle said products also partially relies on manufacturers playing a part.
 Provincial governments are tasked with enacting legislation and regulations, implementing programs, and building the necessary infrastructure to recycle and dispose of waste in accordance with input from farmers and farmer groups.
 Municipal governments are needed to collect waste, build and maintain those waste management facilities, and help facilitate proper waste disposal.
 Retailers even have a role to play, at least those who are in regular contact with farmers. Retailers can launch stewardship programs, collection programs, or provide incentive to recycle.
 Waste management service provides have to be there on time and as expected to collect, recycle, and dispose of waste products. They must also ensure waste materials are adequately prepared i.e. sorted, rinsed, bundled, or otherwise.

What sort of programs exist for farm waste in Canada?

Farm waste recycling programs in Canada vary province to province. The most common farm recycling waste programs focus in on things like pesticide containers, the collection of obsolete pesticides, farm tires, oil filters and containers, and paints and solvents. An area that isn’t included in these programs is agricultural plastic waste. So many farmers use plastics in their day to day operations and burning them – which for a lot of farmers is the only way to get rid of them – releases potent environmental toxins into the air. It’s estimated annually more than 40,000 tonnes of plastic waste is created on Canadian farms.

Provinces are very behind on farm waste

Farm waste doesn’t make very many headlines, unfortunately. It’s not as fast-growing or immediate a need, at least this is the perception. For farmers and their families however, they aren’t being provided the opportunity corporations and households are – the opportunity to change what they’re doing and better waste management practices.

Alberta is considering a program to collect farm waste plastics however hasn’t committed to anything definite. Manitoba collects grain bags and twine, which is excellent. Saskatchewan launched a number of pilot programs looking at farm waste and has recently launched some initiatives targeting farm waste.

Other provinces however do not have the same interest in looking at farm waste. The federal government is mandated to take care of all hazardous waste and so, they’re responsible for this. Complicating farm waste initiatives are that there really isn’t a demand currently for these sort of finished recycled products, meaning private corporations are unlikely to pounce on it without government regulation.

The beauty of farm recycling for job creation

In waste management circles, we know how economically viable recycling can be and in farm recycling, this is no different. A recent study by Cleanfarms suggested that in their farm waste recovery programs, for every 1,000 tonnes of waste collected, 16 jobs were created relating directly to the recycling of this waste. Imagine what could happen if programs or organizations such as Cleanfarms were to come up in every province. The recycling jobs created would easily number in the hundreds.

Is a biodegradable solution the answer to farm plastic waste?

In Ontario, something very interesting is happening. In the province, over 3,500 tonnes of agriculture plastic waste is generated every year. The OFA is supporting a research program looking to develop biodegradable bale wrap and twine for farms. If successful, this would use Ontario-grown crops and convert those into eco-friendly farm plastics that could then be buried safely. It would completely eliminate the need to burn plastic waste or bury it in landfills. It however remains to be seen how far such a research program gets.

What is the future of farm recycling in Canada?

Though the present isn’t anything to necessarily take pride in, we believe the future of farm recycling in Canada is a bright one. We know there’s a way to solve the tonnes of unrecyclable plastic waste produced on farms in Canada. We also know there are dozens of programs countrywide servicing farmers’ needs to move waste out and get it off the farm. Farmers want better. Governments are moving very, very slow on this and have ignored the calls of farmers. There’s no question about that. But, things are happening. As more provinces push forward on farm waste recycling, we expect it to become more accessible to more farmers in time.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/738-how-do-canadian-farms-recycle-and-dispose-of-waste-an-honest-look-at-farm-waste.html

Cheap dumpster rentals and cheap junk removal services, they’re out there. Haul garbage or waste materials away with ease. Especially in a city like Toronto, there are dozens of potential services to call. But which one is more appropriate for your needs – a dumpster rental and junk removal service both have their positives.

Pros and Cons of a Dumpster Rental or Junk Removal – Learn Which One You Need

Let’s say, you’ve got a ton of stuff you need to get rid of this weekend. Are you going to call a Toronto junk removal company or rent a dumpster – this is a question most people wouldn’t necessarily know how to answer. Outlining the pros and cons of each, we hope to give some insight into the option you’d prefer.

Pro of a junk removal – It’s one call

You don’t have to arrange a drop-off for a dumpster, no need to fill it, and no problem with a pick-up. With a junk removal service in Toronto, you call once. Arrange a time and someone else gets to worry about everything else. You don’t need to coordinate anything or spend your day off sorting through things to toss away in a dumpster. You can say goodbye to your things, with a single phone call.

Con of a junk removal – It’s tough to book

In a city like Toronto, a lot of people are moving between condos at the end of the month and looking for junk removal. This is peak time for junk removal booking and trying to arrange for someone to drop by to pick up your belongings can mean having to wait. In fact, during peak summer season or early fall when students are moving, if you don’t book early, you may miss out on your chance to book a junk removal. If you’re considering this route, remember to call well ahead of time and see what times your junk removal contractor may have available to you.

Pro of a junk removal – Charitable donations

Some dumpster rentals will do what they can to recycle construction materials or any waste dropped in. More common to junk removal companies, old furniture or appliances in working condition are oftentimes donated to local charities or organizations. If you believe you have a lot that could potentially go to local families in need, speak with your junk removal service to determine if they are the right fit for pick-up and to help with arranging a donation.

Con of a junk removal – Costs add up

Affordable junk removal services in Toronto and the GTA do exist, certainly. That said, when arranging a pick-up, they’ll want to know what they’re coming for and how much there is to move. Though a dumpster rental doesn’t provide unlimited space, providing a junk removal service with more than what you’ve advertised can hike up costs quickly. To cut down on this cost, some will choose to donate clothing or appliances beforehand. This unfortunately creates an extra step for you to follow.

Pro of a dumpster rental – It’s on your schedule

With a dumpster rental in Toronto or the GTA, a service company comes and drops off an appropriately sized dumpster on your property. You fill it, call the company for pick-up, and then off it goes. Everything happens on your schedule. Comparatively, a junk removal happens on their schedule – not yours.

Pro of a dumpster rental – Ideal for multi-day projects

If you’re completing a renovation, a construction, or a home clean that’s going to take multiple days, a dumpster rental is so much easier to arrange. Dumpsters can be rented by the week, ensuring you have a safe place to put everything that needs to be hauled away. A multi-day project without a dumpster means you have to set aside garbage and waste in a messy area, creating a potential safety hazard.

Con of a dumpster rental – More work for you

Though some may enjoy the work of filling a dumpster rental, let’s make no mistake – it’s very physically challenging. If you have mobility issues or a physical injury, you may want to forego renting a dumpster in favor of a junk removal service which will come and get everything. You don’t have to lift a finger with a junk removal.

Pro of a dumpster rental – Bigger is better

A dumpster oftentimes gives you more space than a junk removal company can. Going at your own pace, for tough-to-manage waste such as renovation or construction materials, these materials can be easily put into a dumpster. This can help cut down time and effort as well as protect against safety hazards which could present on a worksite.

Con of a dumpster rental – You need space to park it

If you’re working on a construction site, great! A dumpster is not going to have any trouble installing themselves somewhere on site. What if you’re in an apartment building or a condo development – it’s a definite no go. There are plenty of semi-detached and detached homes throughout the GTA which also won’t be able to hold a dumpster. If you don’t have the space, renting a dumpster’s either going to be incredibly difficult, could compromise safety or leave property damage by installing it on an unstable surface, or make it an impossible option.

Pro of a dumpster rental – You can move a lot of material

Junk removal services are great if you need to move a few things like a fridge, oven, table, mattress, or whatever the case. Why Toronto chooses a dumpster rental instead of junk removal has to do big-time with being able to move a more diverse collection of waste. For example, a dumpster can include concrete, construction waste, yard debris, multiple pieces of furniture, appliances, and far more than any junk removal company can handle. It’s very advantageous!

Which costs more, a dumpster rental or junk removal?

A very common question asked is what’s more affordable, a dumpster rental or junk removal service? The answer is it can vary according to size of waste in need of disposal, the type, and amount. If you’re working from a condo or apartment, chances are a junk removal’s got the resources to help. If you’re working from a detached home’s waste or are coming from a construction or renovation, a dumpster’s probably more affordable. When calling Toronto contractors, be honest about what you’re disposing of. Your contractor should be able to advise on the most cost-effective option.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/737-pros-and-cons-of-a-dumpster-rental-or-junk-removal-learn-which-one-you-need.html

Canada’s wood pallet industry is one of the most eco-friendliest industrial categories of waste there is. Did you know that more than 95 percent of wooden pallets in Canada get reused or recycled – it’s true!

When a wooden pallet enters the recycling chain, roughly 30 percent of them are broken or require some sort of fixing, refurbishment, or otherwise. These are quick fixes thankfully.

How Does Canada Recycle its Wooden Pallets – The Eco-Friendliness of the Pallet Industry

The few wooden pallets that aren’t able to be fixed and/or reused can be made into wood chips then applied to be used in particle boards, paper, or livestock bedding.

The next time you buy a recycled paper product in Canada, you could be receiving a product created from wooden pallets. Here’s a little more about how wooden pallets are used in Canada and where they go when they’re recycled.

The challenges a lot of Canadian businesses face

Every industrial business or warehouse faces the same issue regarding wooden pallets. They’re needed to move product but they stack up quick. Before long, you have wooden pallets piling up across backrooms, by garbage bins or out by the dumpster, and taking up space in your storage area. These pallets can create a safety hazard at worst. At best, they’re remain frustratingly in the way.

The affordability of wood pallet recycling

Unlike recycling other products which don’t always have a market, wood pallet recycling is thriving. Small businesses recycling wood pallets every day by upcycling, Canadian artists are buying wood pallets to create art from, and there’s all sorts of commercial pallet recycling categories of business and industry that are willing to recover, sort, repair, and re-sell pallets as a single piece or to grind it into recovered material.

How many pallets are recycled in Canada?

According to estimates in 2011, in Canada, every year there are roughly 47.4 million pallets recovered. Of these 32.6 million are able to be returned into service as pallets. Of the 14.8 remaining pallets, those get recycled into other products.

A necessary landfill diversion strategy

Wood is such an eco-friendly recycling material in Canada. Few pallets, if any, need to end up going to our landfills. We are living in an era of landfill diversion and in that, wooden pallet are made big gains. In 1998, it was estimated 17.9 million pallets per year ended up in Canadian landfills. These days, that number has dropped down to 2.5 million and continues to lower with each passing year. Wood pallets have so much recoverable materials that can be reused or repurposed that it is well worth it.

Do you want to recycle pallets in Toronto?

What to do if you want to recycle pallets in Toronto and the GTA is to find a party willing to pick them up. There’s no reason a pallet should end up in a mini bin or a dumpster, destined for a landfill. Eco-friendly junk removal, dumpster rental, and waste disposal companies are here prepared and ready to accept wooden pallets and other materials, ensuring they get a fair look prior to any sort of disposal. If possible, they can be sent back into the service chain. If not, recycling them into mulch, animal bedding, or biofuel works.

Sorting pallets into different categories

When a facility receives a pallet, the next step is to sort them into the appropriate categories ensuring fast and efficient processing. Depending on the recycling company, this may be a process of sorting according to size, wood grade, whether it’s repairing or not, pallets to be dismantled, or unwanted pallets to be grounded into wood fiber. From there a number of equipment is used to sort and dismantle the pallets, including forklifts, automated sorters, wood grinding systems, and pneumatic nailing tools.

Can I dispose of wood pallets yourself – yes, you can!

There are many ways to get rid of wood pallets in Toronto that go beyond offloading them onto a waste disposal or recycling company. You can cultivate a relationship with another local company who can use the wood as a supply for a particular product. You can load them up in a safe place next to your facility and post a classifieds ad for ‘free wood'. If you have a wood chipper handy, you can also break them down yourself and sell them as mulch or repurpose the wood chips yourself.

Is wood the best pallet material?

As eco-friendly as wood is, every year there are more than 100 million pallets put into circulation according to some estimates in Canada. They are not all wood. Many are eco-friendly plastic. Although wood has been around in pallet form for over fifty years, it’s not unreasonable to assume that fifty years from now, wood pallets could be no more. This would be in favor of less wasteful materials. For the time being however, recycling wood has proven to be priority for industrial facilities, commercial businesses, warehouses, shipping companies, procurement, material handling, transportation, and logistics.

Highly creative ways anyone can use a pallet with

There are many unique ways Canadians all over the country have put recycled wood pallets to use. Though these aren’t commercial ideas, they show how unique pallets are in terms of the incredible material they are.

 Manufacturing a standing garden.
 Adding wheels and additional materials to turn a wood pallet into a coffee table.
 Taking it apart to craft a toy bin, a bookshelf, or other means.
 Employing it as a shoe organizer.
 Creating a backyard swing from it.
 Disassembling it into a garden pallet pathway.
 Repurposing them as crafty rustic lanterns for some summertime night.
 Building flower boxes for the garden or front porch.
 Developing pallets into extravagant art pieces or to using a single one to paint an immaculate image.
 To build out a heavy duty bench, with a DIY-style design.

Every pallet has value

If nothing else is taken away from this article, please remember that wood pallets have value. They may resemble something discarded or unimportant but they hold tremendous value and it’s a must they end up recycled like any other material.

Do you know where to dispose of wood pallets in the GTA – if not, give us a call. Core Mini Bins is a waste disposal company specializing in eco-friendly, sustainable processing of materials. Wood is far from the most valuable recyclable material out there but it's no reason to send it to the landfill.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/736-how-does-canada-recycle-its-wooden-pallets-the-eco-friendliness-of-the-pallet-industry.html

Corporations are jumping in, in a big way, willing to do their part in the eco-friendly waste management and recycling revolution. Helping the environment by recycling, brands like Walmart are making huge waves among retailers. Some corporations have even committed to zero waste in Canada by a certain date and they’re on line to achieve these numbers as well! Browsing some of our top corporations in retail and grocers, here’s where they rate.

How Do Canada’s Top Retailers Rate on Commitment to Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal and Recycling

Costco

Costco continues to grow in Canada, as more Canadians seek healthy food options at cheap, bulk pricing. The corporation currently maintains an average waste diversion rate of 71% on average. Costco is a little behind retailers like Walmart however they have maintained a commitment to searching out inefficiencies and increasing the eco-friendly nature of their operations. Costco recycling programs does a lot to collect food, donations, and more, and providing these to families in need, food banks, and similar poverty-driven programs.

Home Hardware

Home Hardware is Canada’s largest independent dealer-owned store for hardware, building materials, lumber, and furniture. They have committed to an 89% waste diversion rate by 2026. Home Hardware has extensive green policies on which employees are trained, have implemented a sustainability-first culture since 2014, and every year has grown closer to its goal. The corporation has done wonders at maximizing its recycling when it comes to paper towels, community garden products, lighting products, cardboard, and more. Alongside RONA, Home Hardware is very much a leader in the eco-friendly hardware retail space in Canada.

Shoppers Drug Mart

One of Canada’s biggest retailers is Shoppers Drug Mart who specifically focus on processing medications, recycling medical-related items or materials, and collecting sharps. If you have expired medications or sharps that you need to get rid of, the pharmacy at Shoppers is worth a visit. As Shoppers Drug Mart is classified under the same umbrella as stores like No Frills, the Real Canadian Superstore, and other Loblaws brands, a lot of the same commitment Loblaws has made are maintained among Shopper locations as well.

RONA

RONA is a strong retailer specializing in recycling a wide array of products that aren’t accepted at other retailers. In Ontario, participating RONAs accept all sorts of paints and wood finishing preservatives, lamps and lights, and cells and batteries. The corporation also manages the recycling or processing of tire-equipped products. RONA directly participates in the collection, transportation, and recycling of tires into new rubber products.

Sobeys

Sobeys, Safeway, and IGA all fit under the same corporation, subsidiaries linked together. Committed to reducing its food waste by 50% by 2025, the company continues to slowly work towards achieving this rate. The company continues to closely monitor waste, how merchandise is developed and packaged, and how surplus food is redirected. Unfortunately, Sobeys like numerous other grocers set up in Canada have proven to be very slow moving in their environmental commitments and waste diversion programs.

Best Buy

Best Buy Canada has a small collection of partners which helps them to collect old electronics and batteries. Things like smartphones, microwaves, home theater systems, printers, computer accessories, TVs, computer monitors, and more are all picked up through Best Buy locations in Ontario. Since it first launched its consumer electronics takeback program in 2009, Best Buy’s recycled more than 2 billion pounds of electronic waste. The corporation in Canada and the United States has committed to 85% waste diversion by the end of 2020. It is not currently known how close they are to this achievement.

Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire has a number of recycling initiatives, including some directed at automotive components, electronics, and batteries. The corporation’s dedicated to making stores more energy-efficient, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and managing their waste with some distribution centres achieving a waste recycling rate of up to 94%, an increase over 63% which was in 2016. Canadian Tire may not be Canada’s brightest retailer when it comes to waste diversion however they offer a lot with what they accept for recycling.

London Drugs

London Drugs has an impressive recycling program accepting things like Styrofoam, smoke alarms, non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, small kitchen appliances such as waffle makers and other similar electronic products, and more. In Canada, London Drugs’ current waste diversion rate stands as one of the best on this list of retailers at a near-perfect 94.5 percent. The corporation’s done a lot to encourage its customers to bring in their waste and recyclable materials, which scores high marks from us.

Loblaws

Loblaws, like other Canadian grocers, have focused on minimizing the amount of food waste created by them. The corporation’s specifically committed to cutting food waste down by 50% at its locations. In addition, Loblaws maintains a national waste diversion goal of 80 percent at corporate stores and 95 percent at its distribution centres. The corporation’s also contributed to reducing plastic bag usage, incorporate more energy-friendly refrigeration and heating consumption, and more.

The Home Depot

The Home Depot has done its part at offering various recycling programs to pick up hard-to-dispose of items such as batteries and cell phone recycling however they no longer offer fluorescent bulb or paint recycling as they once did. The Home Depot’s sustainability promises haven’t proven to be as clear or committed as other retailers which ranks them as one of the weaker retailers on this list. Especially in comparison with similar retailers like Lowe’s, RONA, and Home Hardware, The Home Depot is arguably the furthest behind when it comes to waste diversion.

Walmart

Walmart’s perhaps Canada’s best retailer in eco-friendly waste management and recycling. Since 2015, Walmart Canada’s retrofitted several stores in LED lights which has resulted in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 28,000 tonnes of CO2. Walmart’s also maintained a commitment to achieving zero waste by 2025. The retailer’s also phasing out plastic bags, plastic packaging, single-use plastic straws and other single-use plastics, and more. Currently, Walmart Canada’s landfill diversion rate stands at an impressive 87% of waste.

These are some of Canada’s biggest retailers and where they currently rank in terms of eco-friendliness. While consumers are very willing, a lot of what needs to change with waste diversion and to move to a more eco-sustainable economy relies on the efforts of corporations. We are hopeful organizations like Walmart and others will continue to take the lead.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/735-how-do-canada-s-top-retailers-rate-on-commitment-to-eco-friendly-waste-disposal-and-recycling.html

Junk removal costs a little bit of cash. It’s true. It’s not easy in Toronto trying to get rid of waste, furniture, construction or renovation materials, and more. Taking advantage of this, some junk removal companies will charge an arm and a leg to come and pick up whatever you want to throw out. If you want to pay less, get more from your junk removal service, and maximize the disposal, here’s what you do.

Budget-Friendly Junk Removal Tips in Toronto – You Too Can Save Some Cash!

How much can I expect to pay?

The big question is how much can I expect to pay for junk removal in Toronto? On average, you should be looking at anywhere from $70 to $570 or more. The average condo visit in the GTA for junk removal usually costs around $210. This pricing of course varies according to the service chosen, the time of year, what the items are being taken, and more. Curious about how much money you’re going to have to spend on junk removal services? The answer’s to get estimates and compare.

Plan

If you know you’re going to need a junk removal service in Toronto at the end of the month because you’re moving condos, it doesn’t make sense to wait. Plan now. Plan in advance to separate what you’re going to want removed. You may want to write out a physical list or set a list up on your smartphone. Nothing should be left behind. Take a close hard look at everything you might want to throw away and know what you’re going to keep.

Segregate everything before the driver arrives

Before you call your junk removal company in Toronto to pick up your garbage, set it all aside. When the representative shows up, grabbing everything for them will be quick and easy. The company can also provide a quick and accurate estimate when they can physically see everything you’re wanting to toss. This way there’s no confusion and you know you’re not going to run up the bill, assuming of course that you don’t add anything on top of the things you advertise to a junk remover.

What about giving it to a friend or donating it?

Cut down on the junk you’re throwing way by seeing if a charity will pick it up. If you have high-value items or furniture in good condition, a Salvation Army or Goodwill may be interested in having it. Alternatively, you may also want to offer it to family and friends by posting it on Facebook. Furniture, large items, and more are worth passing on to someone else if you can rather than simply giving them away to a junk removal company. It will also cut down on costs if you have a larger load to give up.

Avoid injury

Junk removal service professionals are there to work. When you hire them, other than being organized and having put in the effort to plan what’s going to be thrown out, you don’t have much else to do. If you have large, heavy items such as furniture to move, don’t try to do it on your own. You don’t have to! Junk removal contractors are there to move and transport these items. That’s what you’re paying them for, after all. There’s no sense in risking injury or possibly damaging what you’re throwing out.

Do they accept everything you wish to throw out?

There are certain regulations or company policies which may mean certain materials or items aren’t collected by a junk removal service. Contact them directly and ask. Find out what they accept and what they don’t. For example, many flammable materials, paints, chemicals, and other hazardous materials aren’t really accepted by junk removal services in the GTA. For non-acceptable materials, you’ll have to find a nearby hazardous waste depot to drop them off at.

Don’t get hit with hidden fees

Are you looking for a cheap Toronto junk removal service – then watch out for hidden fees. Fortunately there are few instances where you would be charged above a quoted price or estimate. If you’re providing more junk than you initially said you would, if there are delays in loading, or if you’ve included hazardous materials that contaminate the waste you’re letting go, these are all possible opportunities for a company to charge you more. Avoid these hidden fees by confirming the price beforehand and being completely honest with what you’re unloading onto them.

Compare prices

There are more than one junk removal service in Toronto, each offering different pricing and/or services. Check them out. Research them. Ask for their rate and if you feel it necessary, see if there’s room to negotiate a little with the pricing. Unfortunately, many junk removal pick-up companies are quite busy in the GTA which means you may not be able to negotiate a better rate with most. Even so, there are cheaper rates out there at some companies. Compare estimates, ask if there are any discounts available, and try not to go dirt cheap.

Price isn’t everything

The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is pretty accurate in the contracting industry. Waste management, waste disposal, junk removal, and pick-up aren’t any different. ‘Cheap’ isn’t always worth it. If you don’t trust the people coming to your place, you run the risk of them not showing up at all, causing damage to your property through neglectful handling, or simply a negative experience. If a junk removal contractor can’t answer basic questions about pricing, service, and more, or if they can’t commit to showing up at a specific time, that’s a sign to find someone else.

Is renting a dumpster a better alternative?

In some cases, you may find it more advantageous to rent a dumpster, get it dropped off, fill it, and then have them pick it up. This gives you the chance to dispose of furniture and waste according to your own pace. If you’re working on a renovation or construction, this might be something to consider, or if you’re moving and you have a lot, a lot, a lot of waste that needs moving! Dumpster rentals range in size, from small to large, can be delivered to your local anywhere in the GTA, and although the rules are the same in terms of no overfilling and no hazardous waste, you may find it to be more beneficial than a simple junk removal.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/734-budget-friendly-junk-removal-tips-in-toronto-you-too-can-save-some-cash.html

A morning coffee is the most important part of the morning routine of so many Canadians. In Canada alone, over fourteen billion cups of coffee are consumed every year. While most of this is at home, over a third is served up in single-use cups.

Just think about it. The coffee shop drive-thru on the way into work is the first stop for many. This creates a big problem, as the cups will surely end up adding strain to the waste disposal system. A coffee cup might seem small on its own, but they make up for it through sheer quantity. The cups present many unique challenges to even the best waste management systems.

Why Are Coffee Cups so Problematic for Waste Disposal, Landfills, and Recycling

A non-recyclable coffee cup is a big problem

A big part of the problem is that coffee cups are typically thrown out in one piece, despite being made of several different components. Coffee cup lids are almost always plastic, and they are often a type of plastic that can’t be easily recycled. This isn’t helped by the fact that few, if any, separate lids and put them into recycling when they can be. Cardboard is a common material for coffee cups today. It’s much easier to handle than the Styrofoam cups that are quickly falling out of style. Thankfully, cardboard is biodegradable, while Styrofoam takes essentially forever to break down.

Is cardboard the solution to the coffee cup problem?

These cardboard cups might seem like the perfect solution to the coffee cup problem, but they come with a catch. In order to not soak through as soon as they get wet, the cups are coated on the inside with a water-proof lining. This makes recycling very difficult, as the lining cannot be easily separated from the cardboard. This makes the cups unsuitable for most municipal recycling operations. It also presents a problem to landfills. The linings inhibit the naturally speedy break down of the cardboard, increasing the time that the cups and lids take up valuable landfill space.

The power of coffee chains to dictate to customers

The environmental concerns raised by coffee cups aren’t going unheeded. Many independent coffee shops are moving forward with plans on reducing the impact of their coffee cups. Most major coffee shops also now allow, and encourage, patrons to bring in their own reusable cups to be refilled. There have also been moves towards developing more environmentally friendly cups. One of the major fronts in this effort is the development of new cup linings that will be fully biodegradable. This will make coffee cups fully compostable, an end much more desirable than being sent to landfill.

Getting rid of plastic coffee cup lids

Plastic lids are the other significant factor causing problems for waste disposal. When a cup is thrown out and enters a landfill, the lid almost always goes with it. These plastic lids take much longer to breakdown than the cups themselves. One of the potential ways that companies are looking to handle this problem is the use of biodegradable, plant-based plastics for the lids. These lids break down on a time scale much closer to that of the cardboard cups. This would make the entire cup and lid assembly a candidate for composting, eliminating many tons of landfill waste.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/733-why-are-coffee-cups-so-problematic-for-waste-disposal-landfills-and-recycling.html

November and December are two of the busiest months of the year. They are loaded with holidays from many different cultures. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many find it hard to find the time for environmental concerns.

The flurry of holiday functions often leads to some simple ways of reducing and recycling being overlooked. It also presents many opportunities for improvement. With just a little attention, the holidays can be a much less wasteful affair. Here are some great ways to incorporate environmental principles into any holiday routine.

Tips on How to Fill Your November and December with Holiday Recycling and Reducing

An eco-friendly Christmas or holiday winter season

Christmas is likely one of the most celebrated winter holidays the world over. One of the most well-known Christmas traditions is, of course, the shining and shimmering Christmas tree. For decades now there has been a trend to move towards synthetic trees. This started with aluminum trees, which have been replaced today by plastic trees. At first glance this might seem like an environmentally friendly trend. These synthetic trees consume a lot of resources to make and will last for years and years once finally disposed. Real trees are biodegradable and grow back.

What about green holiday Christmas lights?

The warm glow of traditional Christmas lights is a memory that is sure to stir festive feelings in many people. It’s also likely to invoke feelings of dread, when remembering the tedious task of checking countless bulbs to find the one bad one. Today these glass bulbs have been largely replaced by much more efficient and easy to handle LED Christmas lights. The bulbs are much more energy efficient than traditional Christmas lights. They also have a much greater lifespan, up to seven times the life of incandescent bulbs. These two factors make LED the best Christmas lights by far.

Shopping locally instead of online eCommerce

Online shopping has quickly become one of the go to methods for Christmas shoppers. In many ways this is a great benefit, at least economically speaking. In some ways, it’s not so great. Online shopping increases the amount of transportation goods go through, consuming resources and creating pollution. There is also increased packaging to be concerned about. Shopping local can greatly alleviate these two problems and local goods are always a great go to gift for any occasion.

The recycling problem of wrapping paper

The most obvious way in which the holidays produce too much waste is the way gifts are wrapped. Whether traditional gift wrap or bags are used, it’s creating excess waste without much added value. A good way to avoid this is to get creative when it comes to handling gifts. Alternative wrapping paper can be made from newspapers, jars or tins, or reusable boxes. These will be sure to make a big splash at any holiday events. A more green approach to wrapping gifts will help save money, and will leave less trash at the end of it all. The more creative the approach, the better.

Choosing handmade DIY gifts that carry meaning

Another simple solution to holiday waste is to replace store bought gifts with something hand-made. These ‘do it yourself’ gifts are often considered something only children make, children having more time and less money than most adults. This misconception is instantly dispelled whenever a person receives a thoughtful and well-crafted gift. There are so many different things that could be made at home on a budget and with only a little practice. This cuts out a lot of consumer packaging waste for Christmas and the holidays, and help develop useful skills all at the same time.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/732-tips-on-how-to-fill-your-november-and-december-with-holiday-recycling-and-reducing.html