Monday, 14 May 2018

What you Need to Know about Buying Bulk Soil

Buying bulk soil is becoming a trend among many new homeowners looking to mold their properties. When the areas where a homeowner wishes to garden is primarily just clay and gravel, laying out some bulk soil is not such a bad idea. That said, ensuring that the soil you buy is good soil can be a challenge. If you’re considering buying bulk soil, here’s a few things to keep in mind. 



The first thing we need to talk about is cost. For high quality soil, expect to pay an average of $15 to $22 per cubic yard up to a maximum of roughly $30. So let’s say you are working with a garden that is roughly 50 by 20 feet in size. To cover this area with roughly nine inches of good top quality soil, it will run you about $550 if you’re paying $20 per yard. Remembering these numbers, it never hurts to check out some different sellers in your local marketplace and get some more concrete information on how much soil will cost to acquire. Before you begin doing your local research, ensure you’re looking for soil with a pH somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0 which is ideal for most plants. The more organic matter, the better. Speaking with other gardeners in the local community may provide some insights on what to buy and where.

After you have sourced a soil supplier, the decision now needs to be made on how you want your soil mixed. Typically, materials such as sand or peat can be mixed in at an agreed upon percentage. Different suppliers offer different options though so it doesn’t hurt to have that discussion when you are close to committing to a purchase. Just one last note on this point, always ensure you are buying ‘screened soil’ which has all roots, rocks, and debris removed.
At this stage, after you’ve settled on price, supplier, and mix, it’s time to arrange delivery. Seek out a good time weather-wise, ideally when it hasn’t rained for a couple days. When a delivery truck crosses the lawn, the wetter the ground is, the more likely it is their wheels will leave tracks. To this point, if there is any way to avoid driving on the lawn, that is even better. Now when you receive the soil, always distribute it in dry weather. Ideally, you want this done as soon as possible because topsoil left alone for a few days will begin to compact. If you are in the midst of a period of rain, no worries. Just tarp it. By having a few tarps on hand, this can be a big help should anything unexpected happen weather-wise.
In the name of safety, there are a few last things we want to mention. Be aware of power lines near the dump zone. Also, any underground drainage or sewage pipes underneath the area where the truck will be crossing may be crushed by soil compression. Though soil compression crushing these is highly unlikely, there’s still a risk.
All in all, buying bulk soil is an easy way to maximize a property’s aesthetics without breaking the bank. Any concerns you may have can be directed to your supplier. To cut down on costs, hiring a smaller delivery truck may be an option. Also, dumping soil on the driveway is possible for those that are wondering. For this, it’ll just take some work to move the soil to where it needs to be via wheelbarrow or other means.
Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/500-what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-bulk-soil.html

Tuesday, 8 May 2018

How to Prevent Injury with Dumpster Safety Best Practices

Dumpsters are used every day on commercial properties, to appropriately remove materials such as metal, plastic, and wood. There are a number of safety concerns when it comes to dumpsters that any construction worker, warehouse employee, or residential homeowner need to be aware of, when using them. 


Preparing yourself with appropriate protection
When using a dumpster, think of the dangers that come with the materials being handled around it. Very easily, an injury can take place. The first step to guarding against injury is in preparing one’s self, ensuring they are wearing the appropriate protective equipment. Wear work gloves to place and/or remove items from the dumpster. Also, eye protection is recommended to provide protection from the dust and particles that are sent up into the air when materials are being tossed in.
Preventing muscle strain and personal injury
When filling a dumpster, ensure that it is never filled above the recommended limit. For any heavy items, always ask for assistance in lifting and placing it in the dumpster. If waste bags are particularly heavy or contain hazardous materials, use the dumpster door to place them in the container rather than attempting to throw them over. For any waste that is in an unfriendly shape, break the item down to make packing easier. These are all tips that can be used to guard against injury while using a dumpster. Keep in mind that back, shoulder, and neck injuries are common with workers who are frequently using dumpsters. This is why it is integral to employ best practices.
Reminders about the waste being collected
Depending on the waste being collected and what the dumpster was previously used for, there could be hazards associated with the waste itself that you need to watch out for. For example, dumpster waste is sometimes sharp which could lead to infected puncture wounds if one is not careful. At times, some have attempted to dump hazardous materials, biomedical waste, and/or chemicals. By having a dumpster, it does tend to attract others who want to dispose of items without having to take them elsewhere. Be aware of these hazards and keep an eye out for waste that could present danger.
Some best practices regarding dumpsters
By having a dumpster, it requires those around it to employ best practices to mitigate risks and keep safety as the highest priority. There should be no smoking around dumpsters, fire extinguishers should be kept close, and no hazardous materials should at any point be placed inside.
If waste has to be moved around in the dumpster to create more space, do so safely with a stepladder and a pole. It is not recommended to ever climb on top of waste inside the dumpster. Finally, to guard against arson and/or trespassers, dumpsters should be placed in a location with adequate lighting and any lids or doors should be closed when not in use.
Safety is key!
Dumpsters are a major asset for any commercial site or construction job but they do require some additional oversight to ensure that safety is maintained. By following these dumpster safety tips, you ensure that all property and personnel are being adequately protected from injury or damage. For any questions on what you can and/or cannot place inside a dumpster, don’t hesitate to contact your dumpster rental company who should be able to answer any concerns you may have.


Friday, 4 May 2018

Getting to Know the Most Common Trenching and Excavation Hazards

Trenching and excavation work is not only a tough job but it can be a dangerous one. Be it repair workers addressing water, sewer, and/or utility lines, or workers involved with digging operations, there are many common concerns when it comes to working in trenching and excavation including the risk of a cave-in. A cave-in can be caused by any number of things and is by far the biggest worry among those in the industry. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to guard against cave-ins and other hazards. Just like with other types of digging and construction work, safety and hazard prevention must be upheld as high priorities.

When it comes to cave-ins, they can typically be associated with any one of four causes. The soil may have been loosened from the use of construction equipment or traffic in the area and the subsequent vibrations of these heavy machines permeating the soil. At times, when equipment is too close to the edge of the trench, the weight can cause soil to loosen or collapse. When working with sandy soil which notably does not hold itself as tightly together as other types, this can be the cause of a cave-in. Water can also weaken the strength of the trench sides causing a structural collapse quite easily over time. By knowing the common causes of a cave-in, we better know how to prepare to guard against them happening.

Before beginning on any trenching or excavation, identify and evaluate the dangers. Throughout your work, be sure to re-evaluate regularly ensuring that operations are being kept safe. Remember, constant monitoring is key. If the trench or excavation is five feet deep or more, additional protective systems need to be put into place to ensure that diggers are being adequately protected. No one wants to responsible for a cave-in, because of failing to see a common hazard or cutting corners on implementing the necessary safety systems. At every opportunity, be safe.

There are several protective systems that we recommend using for any trenching or excavation five feet or deeper. Firstly, there’s sloping which is to open out the sides of the hole in excavation. What type of soil you are working with may help determine the precise depth you require a slope to be. Secondly, there is benching which cuts steps into the sides of a trench. Benching is quite similar to sloping. Note that on larger projects, any activity such as benching or sloping should be designed and/or approved by a registered engineer to maximize the safety at hand. Thirdly, there is shoring which is designed to support the walls by using a combination of cross-braces and uprights. When safely shoring, always install from the top and remove from the bottom. Fourthly, there’s shielding which involves using trench boxes or shields to place in the excavation to guard against the sides of the trench from caving in. These boxes can help protect a worker while they are in the trench and work wonders at preventing a cave-in.

Trenching and excavation is very rewarding work but it does require the necessary precautions to be taken. Trenching and excavation safety guidelines should always take into consideration local regulations and industry knowledge on how to mitigate the risk of a cave-in. By maintaining safety in the trenches, you keep everyone safe ensuring that every worker can make it home at the end of a long day’s work unharmed and healthy.


Sunday, 29 April 2018

What Low Oil Prices’ Mean to Recycling and Recyclers

Everyday consumers rejoice at the sound of low oil prices. It gets them gas on the cheap and lets them save a little extra. Low oil prices also help businesses and sometimes in a very big way. The amount of electricity and gas required to run some facilities, including in manufacturing and construction, is absurdly high! Those of us in the recycling industry though have a bit of a different relationship to low oil prices. In many ways, it’s a big negative. 


Before we get into all the jibber jabber on low oil prices and what they mean to recycling, it’s important to understand how oil pricing works. Depending on supply and demand, oil prices rise and fall according to the market. When less oil is produced but the same amount of people or more want the same amount of oil, it becomes more valuable and the price increases. When more oil is produced than what the population wants, there is more supply and so the price falls. Since 2014, the world has seen the oil supply increase overall. Nations such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, and North Africa continue to push out significant numbers. Also, Canada and the United States have begun exploiting their own resources to find oil. At the same time that this supply has been rising, global demand has been slowly falling. The result is the lowest oil prices in almost fifteen years!
How this all affects recycling has to do with how plastic is valued alongside how oil is priced. Plastics are a direct by-product of petroleum and oil processing, meaning that as oil prices fall, so does plastic accordingly. Today, oil prices are so low in some areas of the world that it is less expensive to buy virgin plastic than to purchase recycled plastic. For recycling, this means a supply of recycled plastic that is no longer economically advantageous.
So the domestic and global demand for recycled products is shrinking. Recycled plastic, paper, and metal have all seen drops in value, weakening alongside oil pricing. The recycling market is at a crucial moment where how we respond is going to determine how many companies like ours survive.
Know that we can’t change oil pricing or the relationship that recycling has to low oil prices. There’s no way to get around that. The best approach to low oil prices is in finding ways to reduce the cost of recycling. A big part of this is eliminating contamination. Consumers need better education on what contamination is and how it affects recycling. Significant value in recycling is lost due to contamination. Beyond this, the benefits of recycling in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment needs to be emphasized.
The present landscape of recycling is being threatened by low oil prices and there is a sufficient need to compensate on pockets of the marketplace that are rejecting recycled products. The environmental benefits are well-established and its cost-effectiveness needs to be maintained.
Building a sustainable future together is going to rest on being able to recycle efficiently with regards to all types of waste products, household and commercial alike. Recycling’s future should not depend on high oil prices. Instead, it needs to be focused on efficient processing and product distribution. That’s how recycling can defeat low oil prices and continue to make its mark!

Sunday, 8 April 2018

How to Manage your Waste when your Dumpster Rental Arrives

For everyday homeowners, dumpster rentals have become a key part of managing waste on a property undergoing renovations or construction. For novices though, if you don’t know what to do with your dumpster rental when it arrives at your property, you may not get the most out of the experience. 

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The best way to manage a dumpster rental is in first ensuring that you’ve chosen the right dumpster rental company to partner with. From there, you want to identify and prepare the location on which the dumpster is expected to sit. Consider where you want to put your rental carefully. The wrong position can be a huge inconvenience to you or even your neighbors. Ensure the driver can easily access the location and ensure you don’t need to get any special permits to host it, such as if you intend to have it on the street.
It’s always recommended to have a dumpster on soft ground. This is because they are heavy and can end up doing major damage to a solid surface if it’s not properly supported. A grassy area or somewhere that is not an asphalt driveway is best.
After the dumpster rental has arrived and it is set up in its temporary location on your property, be aware of the volume limits of the container. For many dumpster rental companies, they may not accept a container it is overflowing with garbage or even if it’s filled to the brim. When it’s filled to the top, it may create issues with covering it in transit. In general, we recommend filling up a dumpster only to 75 percent of its height.
It also bears keeping in mind that though it is a dumpster, certain materials may not be accepted as waste. Depending on the dumpster you rent and from what company, they may have rules on what can be included in your waste and what cannot. Breaking these rules can lead to fines and penalties, something you don’t need! Always consult before renting any dumpster with the company you intend to rent from on what is expected. Among the items that dumpster rental companies do not permit are hazardous materials, chemicals, agriculture-related garbage, or electronics.
Follow these points to effectively manage waste with your dumpster rental. By doing so appropriately, you will avoid additional fees and help keep costs where they need to be. All things considered, a dumpster rental is not that expensive when weighing against the service provided. To keep costs reasonable though, you need to know where the fees and fines are. It is also imperative that you choose the right size dumpster rental for your project.
Dumpster rentals are becoming the popular go-to for DIY home renovators. The convenience of having your own dumpster ready to accept any unwanted items is a massive benefit and one that no homeowner would want to go without.
For those that are working on larger home renovation or construction build projects, what no one tells you is how to properly dispose of waste. Attempting to do it yourself can lead to headaches and high costs. Instead, save yourself a little time by contacting a local dumpster rental company to help. This way, you also get all the inside knowledge on waste disposal and ideally will receive the best advice for the job!

Tuesday, 3 April 2018

8 Guiding Principles on How to Clean your Kitchen

Any kitchen can end up a real dump if a homeowner is not regularly cleaning the bacteria and residue that naturally accumulates here. Don’t let kitchen bacteria bring you down. There’s a number of ways to clean your kitchen from top to bottom, ridding it of any evil bacteria looking to make prey of you! Here are our eight guiding principles on how to clean your kitchen.


Begin by reducing clutter on counters
By eliminating clutter on your kitchen counters, you make your job easy. Anything that is not required to the kitchen, remove it and consider returning after you’ve cleaned – only if you deem it necessary.
Apply an all-purpose cleaner to countertops
All-purpose natural cleaners produce amazing results in the kitchen and should be among the first steps you take in tidying up surfaces. Also, ensure that you are using a new sponge to clean all countertops as an old one can end up spreading bacteria that you don’t ever want to find!
When cleaning, start from the ceiling down
Don’t ignore any part of your kitchen and begin by cleaning from the ceiling down. Use a duster to clear off the walls and corners. Check for any water leaks and ensure those are addressed before continuing. Find a quality rage to wipe down cabinet doors and any handles anywhere in the kitchen.
Empty the sink
After you’ve emptied your sink, fill it up with hot water and a little soap. Throughout your cleaning, you may need this to soak items such as a microwave turning plate.
Clean the inside of your fridge
To thoroughly tackle the kitchen, this must involve emptying the fridge and cleaning the insides with a sponge. Any removable shelves should be taken out, soaked, and dried, and the inside walls should be cleaned extensively. Again, start from the top and work your way towards the bottom.
Clean both inside and outside of your microwave
We may not think of the microwave as a particularly dirty part of the kitchen but it can be. Don’t just wipe down the inside. Sometimes, the outside can be just as dirty!
Wipe down the sink
Every once in a while, you want to wipe down the inside of the sink just to clean any residue that may be sticking to the side or in the troublesome corners. With the way that some countertops are built, the corners of a sink can act as bacteria traps. Imagine all that disgusting bacteria getting on your food. Ew! This is precisely why a sink should be cleaned regularly.
Mop down the floor
Sweep and mop down the floor, and wipe down the inside of your household garbage cans. After all garbage containers have been wiped, you should have quite the kitchen on your hands!
Yes, sometimes, it’s tempting to let garbage sit in the kitchen but that’s not always the best move. Bacterial infections happen every day in kitchens across North America and you don’t want that to happen to you or your family. If you regularly handle raw chicken, meat, and produce, there are several bacteria in these that can cause illnesses and make us sick. Kitchens need to be cleaned regularly.
There’s no ifs, ands, or buts around it. We hope that this guide provides some step-by-step assistance, walking you through the guiding tenants on how to properly clean a kitchen.


Thursday, 25 May 2017

Police Find Ditch-Littering Mississauga Couple

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A Nottawasaga resident reported the vehicle build and license plate number to the OPP of two people who were disposing of their household garbage in a ditch next to a main roadway.

One police officer was sent to the location, a side-road of Adjala-Tosorontio Township, and discovered the full garbage bags after a few minutes of searching.

The people responsible have been identified as a couple from Mississauga and charged for disobeying the rules of the Environmental Protection Act and the Highway Traffic Act. The two offenders will go to court later this year.

If any residents of the area see anyone else recklessly dumping garbage, they are urged to call the authorities as soon as possible to help protect the environment and have those responsible for harming it, face the appropriate consequences. 

Wednesday, 24 May 2017

Smart Waste Bins to be used in Pittsburgh

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While everything around us has become “smart” and tech-focused such as our cars, phones, etc, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing this same phenomenon being applied to waste collection. Pittsburgh will soon spend upwards of $580,000 on hundreds of “smart” waste bins - disposal cans that send an alert to employees at Public Works when they’ve reached maximum capacity.

These new waste bins are expected to reduce the hours of work employees are assigned to check on the amount of waste in bins all over the city, after receiving the go-ahead from City Council from a 5 to 2 vote. The aim is to increase efficiency and reduce the amount of overflowing litter.

Some city leaders can’t get behind the new rule, insisting the cost for such a small change is too high. Other are optimistic that these smart cans will have a significant impact on working hours.

The smart waste bins are to be arranged by this summer, and the city will begin to observe and analyze the effects they have.

What are your thoughts on “smart bins” and do you think Toronto would benefit from something similar?

Monday, 22 May 2017

Eliminating Highrise Building Carbon Emissions

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Canada’s biggest cities need a construction adjustment if they wish to be kinder to the environment. Right now, Toronto’s apartment buildings contribute to half of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Montreal and Vancouver are much like Toronto in terms of architecture, putting them at risk as well.

Of course, Toronto still comes out on top in the skyscraper count, accounting for three of every ten domiciles. Surprisingly, highrise buildings give off fewer harmful gases than traditional houses do, so the solution isn’t a simple one.

London, Vancouver, Montreal, and Quebec City all have more apartment buildings than individual houses, and while that number continues to grow, skyscraper designers are slowly moving towards an emissions-free approach. Canada’s federal government would like this plan to be achieved by 2030 with a $182 million minimum.

Toronto is already on the right track, having decreased their greenhouse gas emissions by almost a quarter since the nineties. But these environmental gains aren’t the result of fixing the construction of dwellings, and the city will fail to meet its 2050 goal of an 8.7 million ton reduction unless buildings are dealt with soon, seeing as building worldwide create 17% of the country’s emissions.

In the future, it will be extremely important for builders to think long and hard about how heating and ventilation is put together, and to avoid carbon lock-in, a design that allows the building to release carbon until the feature is adjusted. One possible solution is to create an aeration system for an area with a handful of dwellings, heating and cooling several buildings simultaneously.

Big Canadian cities need effective remedies fast if they wish to prevent inflicting more harm on the country and the earth itself. Putting goals into place and analyzing feasible solutions is a solid starting point. 

Thursday, 18 May 2017

Coca-Cola’s Plastic Bottles aren’t the only thing Hurting the Planet

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Coca-Cola managed to pump out over 100 billion plastic bottles in 2016 alone, a clear indication of its large contribution to the ocean’s pollution. But it also consumes more caffeine and sugar cane than any other single company in the world. Due to its shockingly large environmental impact, green organizations have flocked to Coca-Cola every year.

The food firm was against the possibility of introducing additional fees to soft drinks that would be reimbursed when the empty containers were returned, but in the seventies, the industry opted for aluminum cans that were easier for buyers to return, better to recycle, and didn’t require an extra vehicle to transport to a factory.

Coca-Cola and other big name brands fought against this principle and won, claiming the extra fees tacked onto the drinks would reduce sales. The traditional return system was substituted with recycling bins distributed to each home paid for by the government. This method was implemented almost nationwide by the eighties.

While companies benefitted from the lack of additional fees, the environment suffered. Coca-Cola’s plastic bottles are indeed recyclable, but are not being collected properly. Although soft drink companies were warned that return systems were best for the earth, they stubbornly refused to listen.

The return systems in 1929 were used by four-fifths of Coca-Cola plants and were able to complete many cycles of reuse to get the most out of the material. For comparison, researchers looked at other options and decided that glass bottles were the most environmentally-friendly. Because this was a rare method, the company went with plastic.

Would additional fees for packaging have affected Coca-Cola’s sales? Perhaps. But the omission of these fees has hurt the planet, causing recycling in which less than one-third of plastic bottles were reused. Fortunately, the firm is looking into bringing back the return system, which is expected to improve recycling.

This new system is a clear win for Coca-Cola, but they may always struggle to defend the sugar-laden liquid within their containers that is often linked to poor health and obesity. The introduction of Coca-Cola Life, a stevia-sweetened version of the beverage packaged in aluminum cans, is a step in the right direction for the health of both people and the environment.

Tuesday, 16 May 2017

Garbage Bins will no longer be used in Korean Public Washrooms

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After years of having people throw used toilet paper into garbage bins, Korea will be removing these said bins and offering easy breakdown toilet paper to combat sanitation problems at the beginning of 2018.

The unpleasant smell and lack of hygiene produced by the garbage bins became a serious issue recently, leading to the writing and passing of a new bill for the abolishment of the system. To accommodate the needs of women, one feminine hygiene box will be placed in each stall.

Changing the disposal system of the country’s public washrooms will also offer easier utilization and added comfort, especially for foreigners who are unfamiliar with the nation’s current method. Frequent subway users are expected to benefit the most.

In addition to the waste bin removal, cleaning staff will need to put up a sign when in the opposite sex’s washroom, and panels will be placed between urinals in the men’s facility.

The government hopes to restore cleanliness and comfort to its restrooms by putting these new rules into place.

Monday, 15 May 2017

Researchers locate Five-century-old Shipwrecked Anchor in Caribbean

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Image: Fox News
An anchor dating back nearly five centuries has been found by experts off the coast of the Caicos and Turks islands, but this anchor isn’t just ancient - it’s suspected to have been used by Christopher Columbus himself.

The anchor weighs in at around 545 kg and was reportedly used between 1492 and 1550. The size, weight, and make of the anchor all point towards its use for one of Columbus’ ships. Experts were able to locate the site with extensive research, an astronomical treasure map, and a magnetometer for diving and investigating the shipwreck.

Research shows the clear connection between the shipwreck and the Pinzon brothers, who captained the two of the famous Columbus ships, the Nina and the Pinta. The former of the two ships was taken down by a hurricane in 1500 while stabilized in close to the islands by which it was recently found.

The anchor wasn’t the only thing discovered among the Nina’s waterlogged remains. Pottery shards, iron spikes, and grappling hooks were examined by archaeologists. All of these items perfectly fit the time period of the Columbus expeditions.

Although the recovered artifacts are fascinating, what’s more important is how the shipwreck site was found - mainly through the use of the astronomical map. This map could lead experts to even greater discoveries, making it invaluable to professionals. Let’s hope we can expose more of the past in the near future.

Friday, 12 May 2017

The Benefits of Hiring a Garbage Bin Rental Company

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Garbage bin rental services are often used by large construction and renovation companies to facilitate the demolition or waste collection portion of a project. These bins come in various sizes however and can be used by businesses, construction companies and even individuals depending on the specific need.

When renovating your home, you'll probably require one place to keep all of the debris and garbage accumulated during your renovation. You'll most likely be dealing with a variety of materials such as floor tile, wallpaper, cabinetry, counter tops, old hardware and maybe even some hazardous materials. Employing the services of a disposal bin rental company will take care of all your waste collection needs.

Getting help from a garbage bin rental company is the right choice, especially when hosting an event such as a big outdoor party, where you may end up with loads of garbage. A reputable disposal bin rental company will provide you with a stress-free experience while taking care of all the waste-related details so you can focus on planning an awesome party! Did we mention you won't have any clean-up to do after the party?

When it comes to renovations, using a garbage bin rental service will ensure you have a neat atmosphere around your house after remodelling your space. A garbage bin rental company will discard all the waste that has accumulated during the renovation process.

A professional garbage bin rental service will provide you with a dumpster. They should not only ensure the presence of a dumpster, but they should also dispose of the waste for you. Hiring a professional and capable garbage bin rental service will ensure you have less to cope with after your construction project or event as they will sort out any issue relating to waste disposal for you.

A reputable garbage bin rental service will also provide you with different containers of various sizes to collect trash according to your specific needs. They can arrange and schedule delivery times as well as dispose of your waste in an ecological manner.

For all your garbage bin rental needs in Toronto, contact Core Mini Bins for services such as junk removal, excavation services, waste removal services, demolition services, garbage removal services, licensed disposal services, etc.

Thursday, 11 May 2017

The Swachh Bharat Mission has Bill Gates’ Seal of Approval

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Image: Gates Notes
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a bright review from Bill Gates for the implementation of Swachh Bharat in 2014. The mission aims to stop public defecation and clean the country’s streets for the health and safety of its citizens. Both Gates and the Indian public have praised Modi for his efforts and given him support throughout his journey to complete the mission.

Gates brought to light the fact that Modi took India’s sanitation problem very seriously and was bold enough to look for a solution despite the issue being sensitive, something very few leaders have attempted. Constructing 75 million new toilets across the country will save $106 billion or more every year.

Two and a half years after Swachh Bharat was put into place, the number of citizens with adequate sanitation tools rose from forty-two percent to sixty-three percent, and the project is expected to come to a close by October 2019. Each state has its own tracking system to determine whether it meets sanitation requirements or not.

Furthermore, nearly one-third of India’s total villages have abolished public defecation, compared to 2015’s one-tenth. Gates mentioned an app that helps citizens overcome their discomfort with the idea of toilets, as well as how impressed he was that Modi recruited Bollywood actors to speak openly about the issue.

Looking at the results and Bill Gates’ praise, it’s clear that Prime Minister Modi is taking steps in the right direction to give India a cleaner and brighter future.

To stay updated with more positive news, please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

Scientists Plan to Mimic Plastic-loving Caterpillar’s Abilities

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The world’s plastic build-up could be gone within the next few decades thanks to a species of caterpillar that eats plastic bags. This caterpillar - the moth Galleria mellonella’s initial form - is known to eat beeswax from hives, and the creature’s molecular synthesis of this material works just as well for polyethylene, the thin, flexible plastic that makes up grocery bags.

Polyethylene is constructed at a shocking rate of eighty million tonnes per year, and effectively disposing of it has been a long-time problem. Although the material is biodegradable, the process lasts hundreds of years. Fortunately, plastic-eating caterpillars take less than sixty minutes to create holes in polyethylene bags, making them more susceptible to rapid breakdown.

The science behind this caterpillar’s plastic-destroying ability is still a mystery, but researchers plan to investigate and form a concrete solution for excess polyethylene. Some suspect that the insect’s microbes play a significant part in the deterioration process, which could be mimicked and applied to areas with plastic overload.

Of course, reducing the amount of products made with plastic will have a significant positive effect on the problem. However, the material cannot be eliminated completely without society suffering serious consequences.

If this study produces a remedy to our plastic build-up problem, we could be one step closer to restoring the planet’s health.

Wednesday, 3 May 2017

Waterloo Encounters a Green Bin Shortage while Garbage Rules Change

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Waterloo Region has recently changed its policy on urban waste collection, and they’ve encountered a problem. The day after the new policy was put into place, the demand for green bins surpassed the supply by a shocking amount.

Over 20,000 green bins were given out last year alone, compared to the annual norm of around 6,000. And now, only four months into this year, over 11,000 more have been distributed. Despite those somewhat frightening statistics, the situation is by no means unfixable.

The heightened demand for green bins in the city indicates that its citizens are dedicated to the cause, and already were before the waste program had even changed. When the new rules became valid, an unmanageable amount of bins was needed, and staff is working hard to produce more.

Waste management began creating and delivering green bins to houses seven years ago, and demand has been inconsistent since then. Although the backup green bin supply has been used up, the stockpile should be full again by the end of the month.

Waterloo Region reportedly still has some blue boxes up for grabs. Homeowners should keep a close eye on their district’s website for relevant updates.

Waste Bin Removal Test in New York Ends After Five Years

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In an attempt to decrease garbage littered in its underground train system, New York took away its waste bins and watched citizens react. Instead of people discarding their garbage elsewhere, however, the volume of litter in the stations increased with the absence of the waste bins, causing the city to scrap the idea.

The experiment began in 2011, implemented in only two stations at first. By 2014, the number had grown to thirty-nine, but the test came to a close in 2016 after a surplus of waste and track fires were detected. With over 450 underground train stations in the city, excess litter quickly became a health and safety hazard that could not be tolerated.

The test’s organizers admit that their hope for not only littered waste, but waste in general, to decrease was somewhat unrealistic. The major American city is looking into better options to clean up litter on the tracks and prevent it from getting there at all.

Although the original test had adverse effects, it was a valiant effort nonetheless.