7 common mistakes Islanders make sorting garbage
They may be 'honest mistakes,' but many Islanders' sorting skills need a tune-up
People continue to make mistakes sorting their trash on P.E.I., even though it's been almost 20 years since the province introduced its comprehensive garbage-sorting system Waste Watch.
That's why the company that oversees the program is presenting a refresher workshop Oct. 29 in Charlottetown to clarify any confusion over sorting.
P.E.I.'s system has not changed much since it was introduced nearly two decades ago — there are still three streams: waste, compost and recyclables.
Recyclables are divided into several categories including paper, cardboard and plastics, metals and glass. Some items, like beer and pop cans, can also be returned to a private depot for a refund.
Floyd Gaudet, customer service manager for Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC), shared some of the common mistakes Islanders and visitors continue to make.
1. Dumping everything in waste
"One of the big ones is the waste stream is becoming a 'when in doubt, throw it out' kind of attitude," said Gaudet.
"Our slogan … is 'when in doubt, check it out,' rather than throw it out."
One of the major hurdles IWMC faces is getting plastic grocery bags out of the waste stream.
Some people use opaque plastic grocery bags to line their waste baskets, then tie the bag closed and throw it in their black cart — a move that frustrates IWMC drivers, who can't tell what's in them.
We accept that people aren't going to be perfect.— Floyd Gaudet, IWMC
"[It] kind of goes against the whole premise of the program," Gaudet said.
Landfills are expensive to build and maintain — P.E.I. has just one, currently half full — and it should be reserved for things that can't be composted or recycled, he said.
2. Recyclables in the compost
Boxboard-type milk or juice containers may be compostable, but IWMC wants them recycled instead.
"There is a market for them," said Gaudet.
"There is a film liner on the inside of those to make them waterproof that would only get screened out in the end [at the compost facility]."
3. Paper in the compost
Flyers and newspapers may be able to compost, but that's not the best thing for the product, said Gaudet.
They're a source of carbon, and the Island's compost facility already has plenty of carbon, like leaves.
It's more economical for paper to be recycled into paper, kitty litter, etc., Gaudet said.
4. Bagging compost in plastic bags
Some bags may be marketed as "kitchen catchers," said Gaudet, but don't use them to contain your compost because they won't break down.
If the plastic does not have a recyclable symbol on it, it goes into waste.- Floyd Gaudet
Paper bags and boxboard like cereal boxes are preferable, followed by compostable film bags, he said.
Acceptable compostable film bags should be stamped with a logo that can be found on the IWMC website.
5. Pizza boxes in compost
Pizza boxes are corrugated cardboard that has to be recycled, Gaudet said.
"A lot of people, because there might be grease or a little residual cheese on it, they immediately associate that with compost," said.
This mistake is commonly seen in multi-unit buildings, Gaudet added, with students or young families that tend to eat out frequently.
6. Wrong colour bags curbside
Excess waste should go to the curb in clear bags, not blue bags, Gaudet said. And vice versa — recyclables must go in blue bags.
Your clear bags may not get collected if the driver is looking for blue bags, he said.
Unlike carts, blue bags sit alone curbside — if there's a lot of snow, clear bags do not stand out as well and may get missed, Gaudet added.
7. Non-recyclables in blue bags
Waste Watch processes recyclable plastics numbered one through five, found on the manufacturer's recycling label.
"If the plastic does not have a recyclable symbol on it, it goes into waste," is IWMC's rule, said Gaudet.
However, if you throw in a plastic water bottle cap on with your recycling, don't sweat it — Gaudet said processors have a small tolerance for contamination.
"We accept that people aren't going to be perfect," Gaudet said, noting tourists and newcomers to P.E.I. often struggle with the system at first.
For those who enjoy a pat on the back, IWMC's curbside monitoring program has started giving out "good job" tickets to people whose garbage is sorted well.
Since June, 18 per cent of garbage has received this gold star, Gaudet said, while about 15 per cent was rejected.
Gaudet's free public talk, Reduce, re-use, recycle and revamp, will be held Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown.
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