Waste disposal and recycling should be easy. Every business needs a reliable way to manage waste. A garbage bin rental, dumpster rental, or mini bin rental is the perfect disposal and recycling solution.

Who rents a mini bin or dumpster?

Mini bin and dumpster rentals are arranged by many different people. They’re convenient, customizable in size, and cost-effective. Here are some of the common customers we have renting mini bins and dumpsters.

How Does a Mini Bin Rental Work – Tips, Tricks, and Insights

 Homeowners renovating.
 Roofing contractors.
 Construction contractors.
 Landscapers.
 Demolition contractors.
 Small business owners.
 Corporate office managers.
 Industrial site managers.
 For office cleanouts.
 For garage cleanouts.
 For seasonal cleanouts.

How does a mini bin make waste collection easier?

Every business wants to do the most responsible thing when it comes to waste and recycling. A safe method of collecting garbage is needed. That’s where a mini bin comes into play.

A business is given a single location to put all their waste. It isn’t left accumulating in piles or scattered across a job site. It’s all in one hazard-free place.

Disposing of this waste, there are regulations and environmental expectations one must follow. Failure to do so results in fines. A mini bin rental service already knows these rules and regulations inside and out. When you use a mini bin with a trusted company, you’re removing waste in the most eco-responsible way possible.

What size dumpster or mini bin do I need?

Mini bins vary in size from 4 yards to 20. They can be small enough to sit down on a residential property which is great for small renovations, roof replacements or installations, and similar projects. They can also be large enough to accommodate the waste disposal needs of a construction, demolition, or industrial site.

 4-yard mini bin. The smallest dumpster is only 1-yard in size. They are your average rear-loading container. We’ve all seen them. A 4-yard mini bin is four times the size of a dumpster. They are small when discussing waste disposal bins. 4-yard mini bins are often used for clean fill, concrete, block, and brick disposal.

 6-yard mini bin. This is another small mini bin rental. They are used by homeowners and residential contractors to clean up and save money against larger dumpsters. A 6-yard mini bin is perfect for household construction debris, medium-sized renovations, landscaping, seasonal cleanups, and garage or basement cleanouts.

 8-yard mini bin. An 8-yard mini bin continues in the previous trend of bin size and application. Dumpster rentals this size are ideal for concrete, dirt, sod, rock, gravel, brick, and other materials. Its capacity is roughly three truck loads.

 10-yard disposal bin. Now we are moving into mini bin and dumpster territory where you need something bigger. Cost-effective 10-yard bins are ideal for household and construction debris, roofing materials, large renovations, demolitions, and more. A 10-yard bin will fit a standard residential driveway. It is multi-purpose, great for a variety of residential needs, and is worth the investment.

 14-yard dumpster bin. A 14-yard dumpster is large enough to handle estate clean-ups, condo junk removal, and more. For larger cleanups, landscaping, and renovations, a recommended size is 14 yards.

 20-yard dumpster bin. Great for job sites and commercial construction projects. A dumpster this size is about the size of 7 truckloads. They’re perfect for home and office cleanouts, commercial yard work, construction and demolition, and more. This is a large scale dumpster, your best choice in construction.

If you’re not sure what size mini bin is best for you, consult with a representative. Let them know the details of your project. They are sure to help in finding the right size mini bin or dumpster.

Is there enough room to put the mini bin on my property?

This is an important question. You can’t just install a dumpster or mini bin on the street. In neighborhoods across Toronto, some properties barely have enough space to fit a car.

Measure beforehand. Ensure what the mini bin’s going to be placed on isn’t going to incur damage from the weight or drop-off. A driveway or yard works. If you do use the lawn, we advise placing plywood underneath to minimize damage to the grass. If you’re looking at alternatives or have questions, consult with a representative.

How long does it take to have a mini bin rental dropped off at my property?

When you book a mini bin rental, same day service is provided. You don’t have to wait for tomorrow. A representative will drop off a mini bin the same day you call. Just let us know where.

How long do I get to keep a mini bin rental?

The average mini bin or dumpster rental period is between 24 hours and 5 days. If you need a dumpster for longer, let us know. In most cases, it can be arranged. You call us for drop-off and the same occurs for pick-up.

Can I mix materials in my dumpster rental?

Mini bins are rented for specific materials. If you rent a concrete disposal bin, you can’t put in wood. Waste is processed by weight and type. We run into contamination and cost issues as material gets mixed in.

If needed, you may want to rent a couple of mini bins or dumpsters. Each will have a separate use. Confirm beforehand what materials you want to put into your mini bin.

What is not allowed in a mini bin rental?

A mini bin rental accepts many materials. Some though it won’t accept. This is often due to contamination concerns or an inability to appropriately dispose of the material.

What is not accepted in a dumpster or mini bin rental are vehicle batteries, paint, propane and oil tanks, motor oils, gasoline, toxic materials, hazardous waste, medical waste, liquids and food, pesticides, animal carcasses or similar by-products, tires, petroleum products, and Freon from refrigerators, freezers, AC units, and other items.

Managing waste without a mini bin or dumpster, in a lot of cases, is near impossible. Even with a limited budget, it’s much easier and cost-effective to arrange for a mini bin rental. Find legal, affordable, responsible, and reliable same-day mini bin rentals in Toronto and the GTA from Core Mini Bins.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/768-how-does-a-mini-bin-rental-work-tips-tricks-and-insights.html

The end of your driveway. Simple. An easy answer to the question, where can I throw out my garbage – if only.

If you have electronics, hazardous waste, construction materials, a whole lot of garbage, mattresses, or furniture, municipal waste management isn’t picking it up.

There are a lot of situations where it might not be clear where you can put your garbage in Toronto.

Let’s clear up any confusion. Here is a breakdown of how waste pickup works in Toronto and what options are available to you.

Where Can I Throw Out My Garbage in Toronto – read here!

The three-bin system

Toronto waste disposal and garbage pickup use a three-bin system. With this organization, the City manages more than 500,000 tonnes of garbage. Here is what is allowed to go into where.

 Your garbage bin is where general waste and non-recyclables go. These include food containers, disposal cups, food boxes, plastics, foil wrappers, straws, pet hair, and more.
 Blue bin recycling accepts specific items in the categories of plastics, metal, paper, cardboard, and foam polystyrene. It can take some time to learn what’s recycling and what isn’t. This is perhaps why over 30 percent of Toronto’s total blue bin recycling is contaminated.
 Your green organics bin is for fruits, vegetables, meat products, pasta, bread, rice, dairy, animal waste, house plants, coffee grounds, diapers, sanitary products, soiled paper including food packaging, and paper towels.

Where can I throw out electronics in Toronto?

Drop off old electronics at a Toronto drop-off depot. They can also be donated if they’re still working. Even if there’s no value to them, the City will take them off your hands for nothing. This includes the following:

 Smartphones and home phones.
 Computers and accessories.
 VCR/DVD players
 TVs, flat-screens, and monitors.
 Printer and fax machines.
 Cameras.
 Speakers.
 Turntables.

Where can I throw our hazardous waste in Toronto?

Hazardous waste is tricky. If it’s generated by a business, commercial, industry, charity, or institutional stakeholder, Toronto won’t accept it anywhere. If it’s from your home, you have options.

You can throw out hazardous waste in Toronto at Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Depots and/or on Community Environment Day. The following is considered hazardous waste:

 Car and garage products like antifreeze, car batteries, motor oil, fuel, and windshield washer fluid.
 Personal care products like alcohol-based lotion, medications, vitamins, nail polish, syringes, and non-empty aerosol cans.
 Household cleaners, abrasive powders, bleach, drain cleaners, floor and furniture polish, and disinfectants.
 Pesticides and garden products, including insecticides, fertilizers, and weed killers.
 Paints, solvents, and glue.
 Propane tanks.
 Helium tanks.
 Lighter fluid.

Where can I throw out construction or renovation waste?

Installing a new roof. Building a deck or patio. Completing a demolition. Renovating your washroom.

These are all examples of jobs that create a lot of waste. Where you put your renovation waste is inside a dumpster or mini bin rental. Believe us when we say this is the easiest way to manage construction waste. This type of waste includes:

 Wood.
 Concrete.
 Drywall.
 Metal.
 Bricks.
 Tiles.
 Ceramics.
 Glass.
 Plastics.
 Cement.
 Paint.
 Adhesives.
 Sealants.
 Roof shingles.

Services like Toronto’s Core Mini Bins even offer same-day mini bin rental or dumpster rental service. Just call us and we arrange drop-off. From that point on, the process is easy. Put your waste in the dumpster. Call for pick-up. Get the waste hauled off, no questions asked.

Where can I throw out office or business waste?

Moving offices or moving out old office equipment is a lot of work. A dumpster or junk removal service for office waste is a great opportunity to keep it simple for yourself. The process works similarly as a mini bin rental for a renovation. Just give us a call.

If your business requires ongoing waste management on a weekly basis, arrange a weekly dumpster rental. The cost is yours. The labour, transportation, and responsibility are on the waste disposal company. Here are some examples of office waste that will need a dumpster or junk removal:

 Computers.
 Printers and fax machines.
 Chairs and tables.
 Cubicle dividers.
 Binders.
 Old office furniture.
 Metal file cabinets.
 Telephones.

Business waste isn’t exactly the sort of thing you can ignore or manage on your own. An appropriately sized mini bin is your best bet.

Where can I throw out old furniture and garbage from my condo?

Toronto is filled with thousands of condos. Every month, people move in and people move out. Old furniture needs a place to go. Some condos will want your waste moved quickly. A junk removal company is your answer.

Junk removal services are perfect for students, seniors, and condo owners. Get old furniture moved quickly. You don’t have to lug it down to the road or go against your condo rules. A representative will be there, often same day, to help.

Where can I donate furniture, electronics, and reusable items in Toronto?

A lot of organizations are willing to accept your old electronics and furniture as long as they continue to be functional.

If you aren’t able to lug your items down to a local charity organization, allow the best junk removal service to do it for you. Specify you want something donated and to where. In many cases, garbage pickup can help. Environmentally-friendly waste management is key to junk removal. Anything that can be recycled should be recycled. The same goes for reuse.

Can I throw out my garbage in Toronto without hiring a company?

Toronto does have drop-off depots to collect and sort the city’s waste. Any Toronto resident can throw out unwanted items here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This isn’t without convenience though.

During peak periods – 11 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm – priority is given to City-operated vehicles. You might have to wait if you arrive at these times. You also have to lay down a $40 deposit, regardless of the size of the load. Some items are accepted. Others aren’t. There are fees for some materials, of course. There’s a long list of materials that aren’t accepted at Toronto garbage depots, ranging from hazardous materials to construction and renovation waste, farm waste, tires, yard waste, liquid waste, soil, and more.

Do you need to throw out some garbage in Toronto – you don’t have to look far. Contact a representative at Core Mini Bins today. You don’t have to go through the hassle of DIYing it. Toronto dumpster rentals, mini bin rentals, junk removal, weekly rentals, waste donations, or whatever you need! Core Mini Bins is your resource.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/767-where-can-i-throw-out-my-garbage-in-toronto-read-here.html

Bioplastics are highly praised. They’re compostable. They’re plant-based. They’re the plastic savior!

Unfortunately, the truth about bioplastics is very different from how they’re marketed. Though greener, there’s a lot to bioplastics that are problematic. They aren’t all biodegradable. They aren’t all biobased. Bioplastics may very well be a new type of waste problem that we, as a society, aren’t ready to deal with.

Are Bioplastics A Waste Problem in Waiting or the Future of Plastic Recycling in Toronto – see here!

Facts about how we use in Canada

 Canada recycles only 9 percent of its plastic waste.
 89 percent of our plastic waste is put into a landfill or incinerated.
 Plastic incineration creates greenhouse gas emissions. The amount is likely to reach 1.2 gigatons annually by 2030.
 There’s evidence showing how plastic ends up in our environment. This harms whales, turtles, seabirds, and all sorts of wildlife.

Plastic waste is a global issue, not simply a Canadian one. It is within our power, however, to change our behaviour. The waste disposal and recycling of plastics is our responsibility. In response to the plastic waste problem, the federal government is proposing a ban single-use plastics Canada-wide by 2021.

What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics fit into three categories.

1. ‘Biobased’ means ‘derived from a biological source’. This could be plastic made from corn, potatoes, organic food waste, or other materials.

2. ‘Biodegradable’ means the plastic can be broken down into natural substances like compost, carbon dioxide, or water. To have this happen, a bioplastic has to be under certain conditions though.

3. Bioplastics that are both biobased and biodegradable.

Some companies are developing wonderful technologies that turn waste into compostable bioplastics. For a cost, we’re almost at the point where waste molecules from anything can be turned into some version of plastic.

Bioplastics is a developing industry, with further growth expected. About 3.6 million tonnes of bioplastics are produced every year. This is a very small percentage within a larger 359 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide annually.

Different types of bioplastics

 Starch-based bioplastics make up 50 percent of the bioplastics market and are used in compost bags, food packaging, and consumer goods packaging.
 Cellulose-based bioplastics.
 Protein-based bioplastics are made from wheat gluten, casein, and/or soy protein.
 Aliphatic polyesters.
 Polyhydroxyalkanoates create a natural plastic from the bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids in nature.
 Polyamide 11 is a natural oil-based plastic used in catheters, electronic device components, sports shoes, oil and gas pipes, and anti-termite sheathing.
 Bio-derived polyethylene.
 Genetically modified feedstocks.
 Polyhydroxyurethanes.
 Lipid derived polymers create plastic from the synthesis of plant and animal-derived fats and oils.

Are bioplastics an environmentally sustainable plastic alternative?

Bioplastics are not an environmentally sustainable waste product. A lot of bioplastics aren’t biodegradable. This presents a big issue.

The Coke PlantBottle is an example. It uses biopolyethylene, a raw plant ingredient to make plastics instead of fossil fuels. Though this is great news, it still doesn’t produce a bottle that’s broken down like a true biodegradable bottle. The finished product is still plastic.

A bioplastic can also still be made from fossil fuels. A ‘biobased’ product is only required a minimum of 25 percent carbon from biological sources. The other 75 percent can be fossil fuel sources like usual.

You can have the bottle be 100 percent made from fossil fuel as long as it’s biodegradable. Ecoflex, a plastic known as polybutylene adipate terephthalate, is one such case.

The most eco-friendly plastic is no plastic at all. Let’s be clear in saying that. Bioplastics aren’t society’s answer to the plastic problem. They merely complicate it.

Do we have a waste disposal system that can handle bioplastics?

The Coke PlantBottle is still chemically plastic, even if it was made from alternative sources. This means it’s not going to biodegrade and is treated like any other traditional plastic. Our waste management and disposable system for plastics is underdeveloped and cannot recycle bioplastics.

Unfortunately, all types of compostable plastics end up in landfills more often than not. Most Canadian municipal waste systems do not know how to process them. In landfills, society’s bioplastics sit for 100 years or more. They emit potent greenhouse gases all the while breaking down at the same rate as other plastics.

Numerous studies have found biodegradable or compostable plastics fail to deliver on their claims.

A 2017 University of Bayreuth study showed how biodegradable plastics that spent a year in seawater or freshwater did not biodegrade.

A similar study was done two years later on compostable bags which did not compost after 27 months in soil. That’s over 2 years! From our perspective, it’s not difficult to see the bioplastics industry is lying.

What are small businesses supposed to do in search of eco-friendly plastic?

For small businesses that want to do good for the environment, bioplastics aren’t where to look. Unfortunately, those who have were burnt because of it. Giving out compostable plastics to eventually find out they aren’t being recycled is a disappointment no one wants.

There are some compostable plastics, biodegradable plastics, and bioplastics which can be recycled. This is true. Until we have sufficient recycling programs in place though, there’s no way to recycle them.

Are bioplastics the future of the plastics industry?

Plastic manufacturers want to stay in business. Bioplastics are their answer to surviving bans on plastic. Although one day they could be an excellent alternative, today the term ‘bioplastic’ doesn’t count for a lot.

As consumers, we can make the choice to reject bioplastics. Some have gone to criticize bioplastics as green-washing. As a garbage pickup and waste disposable company in Toronto, we have concerns about how bioplastics are being marketed.

As it was said earlier in this article, the best alternative to plastics is nothing close to plastic. Environmentally friendly materials include stainless steel, glass, wood, natural fiber cloth, and paper. These are eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Continuing to use plastics, in whatever format, is a waste problem. It isn’t solving anything except for allowing major corporations to claim they’ve done something environmentally friendly.

This isn’t to discourage the pursuit of plastic adjacent material. If there was a true biodegradable, biobased bioplastic out there, that would be wonderful. Unfortunately, commercially speaking, there isn’t one right now.

Core Mini Bins is Toronto’s top waste disposal company, offering everything from junk removal to dumpster rentals, garbage pick-ups, waste management for small businesses, and more. Speak with a representative for info on how to set up your property with everything it needs for eco-friendly waste management.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/766-are-bioplastics-a-waste-problem-in-waiting-or-the-future-of-plastic-recycling-in-toronto-see-here.html

Topsoil. You may have heard the term before. It’s not just regular soil. Topsoil’s better. For landscaping or gardening, topsoil is a great buy. Here’s why.

What is Topsoil – Benefits, Uses, and Advantages

What is topsoil?

Topsoil is the top layer of soil stripped during construction projects. It is usually composed of ingredients like clay, silt, sand, and other organic matter. It is taken from the top 12 inches of ground.

Topsoil takes a long time to form. One inch of topsoil can take 100 years to form. It’s natural lifecycles embodied in topsoil.

What is topsoil used for?

Topsoil has many uses. It can be used to grade. If it’s a suitable quality, there’s topsoil for gardening.

What you use topsoil for depends on quality. Composition varies. It’s a general term and so a stakeholder buying topsoil will receive it from a local site. Due to its weight and shipping costs, topsoil is not typically transported over long distances. Here are other uses of topsoil.

 Landscapers use topsoil frequently. If they’re building a new garden, new plants get topsoil.
 If the quality or quantity of soil is low, topsoil can be added. This immediately improves the quality of the soil.
 If the soil around a house is sandy or clay-like, add topsoil. Inches of topsoil can give a home the ability to grow plants, feeding the seeds and allowing new roots to spread.
 A less nutrient-rich soil can be used to backfill, for grade changes, or even as a base for patios.
 Compacting topsoil can help prevent erosion on some properties and/or act as a foundation for lawns.

What is blended topsoil?

Blended topsoil adds more compost, organic matter, and other materials. This produces organic topsoil that’s ideal for sod, seed, gardens, raised beds, and other similar purposes.

Organic topsoil is a nutrient-rich, mineral-dense soil. It’s like giving your garden its own mini-ecosystem. No chemicals. No synthetics. It’s natural, organic gardening with naturally rich soil.

Is topsoil environmentally friendly?

Topsoil is a very environmentally friendly option. While enriching your soil, you’re contributing to sustainability. You’re reusing soil from local development but also repurposing organic matter coming from plants, fruits, vegetables, and more.

What are the benefits of topsoil?

Above its sustainability, topsoil has many benefits. It doesn’t end with the healthy, green vegetables, flowers, and gardens you can grow from it.

 Topsoil contains a rich mix of nutrients that you need for healthy plants. It also retains moisture and water well which helps with long-term plant growth.

 Topsoil doesn’t just come nutrient-dense. It stays so. The ability of topsoil to retain its nutrients means plant life sustains.

 Topsoil saves you time and money. It’s affordable, helps to balance drainage, and will retain water longer than any synthetic soil can. Plants have everything they need to grow in topsoil.

 Topsoil reduces erosion. If you have bad experiences with root structures becoming exposed, topsoil is a way to reduce the likelihood of this happening.

 Topsoil lowers the need for chemicals and pesticides. The high nutrient composition is protection from pests and disease. If you’ve had to use chemical pesticides in the past, don’t think you will this season. Use topsoil. See the difference.

How do I know how much topsoil I need?

To accurately determine how much topsoil you need for your project, various formulas are available.

The most common is take your length in feet. Multiply that number by your width. Multiply the result by your depth in feet. Then divide the total by 27. This gives you the cubic yards needed.

(Length x Width x Depth) / 27 = cubic yards of topsoil

For laying lawns, it’s recommended to use at least a 4-inch layer of topsoil. For garden beds, including those that are brand new, at least 8 inches or more will be needed.

What can you add to topsoil?

A high-quality landscape has layers of materials. Topsoil is only one. Granted, a very important one.

Topsoil is the foundation on which everything else builds. You can’t have a yard garden or landscaping sitting atop without topsoil in support underneath. Common garden and landscaping options you can add to topsoil include the following.

 Wood chips and shredded leaves. Use them in flower beds, shrub borders, and yard pathways.
 Grass clippings. A natural fertilizer, grass clippings are nitrogen-rich which makes an excellent mulch.
 Compost. Adding compost enriches the soil. When your plants are happy, they behave accordingly.

What are the different types of topsoil?

Topsoil comes in many types. For the purposes of simplicity, topsoil can be divided into three categories.

1. Economy grade topsoil. This is unscreened topsoil. ‘Unscreened’ means large rocks and similar materials haven’t been screened out. This cheap, quality topsoil is used in applications where you need volume more than quality.

2. General-purpose grade topsoil. This is available in different screen size grades. This type of topsoil can be used to make new garden beds as well as a base for new lawns. This is appropriate for turf laying and top dressing lawns as well.

3. Premium grade topsoil. This is the most expensive kind of topsoil. It is high in fertility and organic material, has excellent structure, and is used to build flower beds and garden areas.

When do you need topsoil?

A number of situations require topsoil. A lot of these have already been mentioned elsewhere in this article.

If your existing soil has been damaged, if there is no natural soil available where one wishes to garden or landscape, and/or if the quality of soil is poor, these are the most common reasons why we buy topsoil.

How do I know I have bought good quality topsoil?

Do your research on the product. Ask questions directly to your supplier. Also, look at it.

Bad quality topsoil is going to look like bad quality topsoil. It could have a lot of stones in it, thick roots, weeds, and/or contaminants like glass. These sorts of materials shouldn’t be topsoil. If you suspect these are included in yours, don’t buy it. Always inspect.

Are you looking for a quality topsoil supplier – contact Core Mini Bins. See the benefits of high-quality topsoil perfect for lawns, landscaping, and more. Organic, enriched topsoil that gives the nutrients and support your project needs.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/765-what-is-topsoil-benefits-uses-and-advantages.html

“Help the environment. Recycle.” We’re told this. The message is in our schools, at work, in newspapers, and all over.

‘Recycle’ sounds nice. As a social concept, it makes sense. There’s a whole business behind recycling though.

The reality is that there’s a cost to recycling and waste collection in the GTA. The person who collects the waste must be paid. The facilities that sort the waste can only do so when rent, equipment, and utilities are covered.

If Toronto is to do its part and reduce waste, this means cost efficiencies will have to happen. Here’s the reality of the rising costs of recycling in our city.

How Do We Lower the Rising Costs of Recycling and Waste Collection in the GTA

Is recycling cost-effective in Toronto?

Recycling works best when it makes money. When a recycled material doesn’t have a market, we can’t sell it. As much as Toronto may want, recycling sometimes just isn’t possible. Waste collection costs are already high.

In 2017, Toronto made $16 million in revenues by selling recycled materials. According to estimates, this number has been cut in half since. The lowered cost of recycled commodities combined with contaminations has caused this.

Unfortunately, the cost of recycling in Toronto is rising faster than any other municipal service, including police, ambulance, or medical.

What is the cost of recycled commodities?

Commodities include paper, plastics, and metal. The cost for recycled materials like these are in a constant state of flux. It seems like every month we are seeing declines in market prices for aluminum or other materials. Here is a simple breakdown of the costs of recycling in Toronto in 2020.

 The cost of recycling collection is $65/tonne.
 The processing cost of recycling is $125/tonne.

How we justify those costs is by selling the materials we recycle. As mentioned, prices are always changing. On average, these are the approximate prices our recycling materials have been selling for.

 Cardboard sells for $55/tonne.
 Plastic water bottles sell for $460/tonne.
 HDPE bottles, such as detergents, sell for $516/tonne.
 Mixed plastics sell for $170/tonne.
 Non-aluminum steel cans sell for $290/tonne.
 Aluminum cans sell for $960/tonne.

What’s the most valuable recycling material in Toronto?

The most valuable recycling is aluminum. This is the money-maker. Despite the fact it makes up only a small percentage of the recycling collected, aluminum generates roughly a fourth of Toronto’s recycling revenues.

What has lowered recycled commodity prices worldwide?

Two years ago in 2018, China stopped accepting certain recycling products. This meant aluminum, plastics, and paper had nowhere to go. The market was flooded with product. This immediately dropped down pricing.

Prices are so low for some materials. Items like cheap plastics no longer have buyers. The future could change this. For now, continuing to collect low-cost recyclables isn’t feasible. Toronto waste collection facilities and recycling sorters are having to pay to get rid of materials like these.

The prices of mixed paper, cardboard, film plastic, and aluminum cans have fallen by double digits. This isn’t just a Toronto problem. Communities worldwide are feeling the pressure. Some American municipalities have even cancelled their recycling programs altogether.

What reduces the value of recycling in Toronto?

Contamination in blue bins can reduce the value of Toronto recycling to zero. More than 25 percent of the materials collected as recycling is not able to be recycled. This number is growing.

Homeowner errors lower city revenues. Buyers are picky. They understandably want value from the recycled materials they buy. What they don’t want is contaminated, lower quality product.

A piece of paper with a coffee stain on it is garbage. A greasy cardboard pizza box is garbage. Contamination turns recycling into waste. Another example is a half-filled jar of mayonnaise placed in a blue bin. This contaminates all of the contents. If the jar gets mixed throughout a recycling truck, it then ruins everything inside.

If we are going to lower the costs of recycling and waste collection, we must maximize value where we have it. Contamination numbers have to come down. The way to do this is through education.

What can we do to fix recycling costs in Toronto?

There are risks to recycling. You’re relying on the market to set the price. This isn’t ever going to change.

The best way to fix recycling costs in Toronto is with the right program infrastructure investments. Focus on what’s making profits, locally and worldwide. Aluminum cans have a high return. Prioritize, build around what’s building revenue, and reinvest in other money-making channels.

Toronto is fortunate to be a center of innovation. Cultivate partnerships with local companies, manufacturers, and organizations who are willing to buy and reuse recycled materials. New opportunities present every year.

Local networks are where the most revenue could potentially be derived. Local recycling purchasing partnerships mean lower transport costs and fewer expenses. It may be possible to develop local systems wherein Toronto can be less reliant on world commodity costs to derive revenues.

More recycling facilities are being built. This is going to mean more recycling product. From organics to electronics, there’s a way to derive revenues from these sources. Toronto simply doesn’t have the infrastructure yet to find them. But in time, the city will.

Extended Producer Responsibility is another concept some are advocating for. This would implement a system where producers of waste are responsible for its disposal. This diverts cost. Areas of BC already used an EPR system like this. It’s helped them lower costs. Maybe it can do similar things for Ontario.

How do we create a better recycling system in Toronto?

A better recycling system in Toronto is achievable through two processes. The first is to build the infrastructure and system. The second is to supply those systems.

Supply means to create more recycling. We do this by banning single-use disposables like plastic. Implement programs that incentivize alternative recycling materials over single-use disposables.

Every business, household, and person has the chance to become zero waste. That is to reduce landfill waste to zero. This would increase recycling rates tremendously which gives the city increased value in what they’re turning out.

If we are serious about reducing the costs of recycling and waste management, build better infrastructure and supply, supply, supply.

Are you looking for waste collection in the GTA? Contact Core Mini Bins. Improve your landfill diversion rate, increase recycling, and create a greener waste management system for yourself. It’s simple to do and we can help. Your recycling bin and waste disposal is our job.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/764-how-do-we-lower-the-rising-costs-of-recycling-and-waste-collection-in-the-gta.html

Recycling is an evolving industry in Toronto. It has become so much easier to do. What wasn’t recyclable now is. More facilities are being built. More items are being accepted. Even with all this development, there are still materials that cannot be recycled.

Virtually every home and business are registered in Toronto’s blue bin program. This recycling program’s designed to collect recyclables. Unfortunately, contamination exists.

Cross-contamination is also a serious concern. When we include what is not recyclable in a collection of materials that is, it contaminates the whole batch. This reduces the value of our recyclables or renders them worthless.

How to be a better recycler starts with knowing what is and is not recyclable. When we recycle correctly, it saves money and is efficient. We also do right by our environment. Here’s what isn’t recycling in Toronto.

What Is Not Recycling in Toronto – See the List!

Styrofoam

Styrofoam is made from a type of plastic that is difficult to recycle. Due to the difficulty, a lot of cities won’t even bother with it. It is for this reason that styrofoam is not recyclable in Toronto.

Pizza boxes

Pizza boxes are cardboard stained with grease and covered in crumbs. They’re the perfect example of a recyclable contaminated and rendered worthless. Most food containers are unsuitable, for this reason.

Food

One of the worst contaminators of Toronto recycling is organic waste like apple cores and eggshells. These food scraps are better left in a compost bin. When thrown into a recycling bin, everything else soaks up the residue and particles from these scraps.

Plastic bags

Plastic bags are not recyclable. They clog up the sorting machines. They are also made from a type of plastic difficult to recycle, similar to how styrofoam is. This is much of the reason why Canada plans to ban plastic bags altogether.

Coffee cups

Tim Hortons coffee cups and Starbucks coffee cups are not recyclable in Toronto. Though the outside is made from paper, the inside has an oily plastic lining that contaminates the product. This renders it unrecyclable in our current recycling program.

Paper

Paper that has been soiled or coated with wax is not recyclable. Any sort of meat wrapping paper is also not considered recyclable. These are contaminated materials on their own and would contaminate a blue bin’s recycling if included.

Chip bags

Like coffee cups, chip bags are lined with polypropylene plastic. Though they are otherwise aluminum, the inside lining means they aren’t accepted in our single-stream recycling stream.

Aluminum foil

Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Aluminum foil is technically recyclable. However, it cannot contain any grease or food residue. As you can imagine, all aluminum foil used to carry food is likely to end up contaminated.

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap fits the same category as plastic grocery bags. They can be recycled. We simply don’t have an efficient way to do so. If we did pick up bubble wrap and plastic bags in our curbside recycling, they would damage the sorting machinery. This is why bubble wrap’s not included in the list of recyclables in Toronto.

Cling wrap

Cling wrap is made from polyvinyl chloride. This material is not recyclable, contaminated or otherwise. Any sort of household cling wrap should be placed in the garbage can with the other waste materials.

Coffee pods

Any coffee pods, including Keurig and Tassimo, are not recycled in Toronto. They are made with different materials that cannot be easily separated. The resulting composite material is a self-contaminated non-recyclable.

Clothing

Yes, that’s right. Any clothing or textiles are not considered recycling in Toronto. Like plastic, clothing gets caught in the sorting machine. This results in damaged equipment and potential workplace injuries. Any old clothes, shoes, blankets, or curtains you have can be donated to agencies, organizations, or local non-profits. This is what the city recommends.

Medical waste

Medical waste should be placed in the garbage. Medical waste shouldn’t ever be placed in recycling. This includes catheters, colostomy bags, tubes, and syringes. Ensure these waste materials are properly disposed of. If you’re unsure of how to get rid of specific medical waste, contact your local pharmacy.

Plastic toys

Plastic toys can be donated to a local non-profit. Toys are not recyclable in Toronto. Even if they show a recycling code, no plastic toy should be placed in the blue bin. No municipal waste program in Canada currently accepts plastic toys.

Light bulbs

Light bulbs are made from components that all of which can be recycled. Unfortunately, it requires special processes to separate the various materials that make up a light bulb. No municipal recycling program, including Toronto’s, has this technology. This makes light bulbs unrecyclable.

Black plastic

You may have seen black plastic used in takeout containers. Black plastic is not recyclable for two reasons. First, there isn’t a market for it. This means there’s no way to sell it. Even if there was a way to sell it, the second reason why black plastic cannot be recycled is that the sorting technology does not recognize it.

Ceramics

There are several categories of glass that we do not recycle in Toronto. Ceramics are one. Fortunately, there are private companies willing to accept ceramics. As they continue to grow, we hope to see ceramics included in Toronto’s recycling program.

Electrical cords, hoses, and cables

Electrical cords, hoses, and cables are easily tangled in recycling sorting machines. Electrical cords, fortunately, can be included with suitable electronics you intend to bring to an e-waste sorting facility. Any other hoses, cords, or cables should be put into the waste bin.

Tools

Old tools are not recyclable in Toronto. From power drills to hammers, screwdrivers, and cords, there are a lot of components to remove from them. Each component is in its own category of waste or recycling. This makes it an efficient recyclable. However, if your old tools are still functional, you may be able to donate them.

Recycling in Toronto relies on having the facilities to sort the materials and a market to sell them on. As recycling facilities continue to be built in Canada, we hope that more items will come to be accepted into the city’s blue bin program. The culture of recycling continues to change for the better. As large a city as Toronto is, there’s still a lot more work to do. The quality of recycling must change. Contamination must be reduced. Landfill diversion efforts must be prioritized.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/763-what-is-not-recycling-in-toronto-see-the-list.html