Originally published Apr 13/16   The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

The Flin Flon landfill is governed by regulations from Manitoba Conservation.  These regulations require that materials are separated in different areas of the landfill.

These areas are:

• Household – for garbage and items that don’t belong in other areas
• Tires – used tires of all sizes which need to be sorted by size
• Metal items of all kinds
• Used motor oil, antifreeze, and the containers for these products
• Wood only (burn pit)
• Fridges, freezers, air conditioners ($25.00 charge for removing refrigerant)
• Car Batteries
• Mixed construction materials that do not belong anywhere else

Many things are being dumped in the wrong place. Landfill attendants are able to move some, but do not have the time or equipment to sort through it all.

Manitoba Conservation is requiring (demanding) that everything is in the right place.
It is important that mixed loads for the landfill are organized for easy unloading in the right places.

Landfill employees are available to give directions and answer questions as needed.

There will be new signs in the near future.

Many still refer the landfill as the dump which implies you bring waste, dump it and go.
As we become more responsible with our waste, it is more accurately called the waste disposal facility. Some items are covered filling the land (landfill). Many items are removed for recycling or safe disposal.

No tipping fees are needed for loads that contain only metal, tires, oil, and car batteries.

​Large amounts of cardboard should be dropped off at the Recycling Centre.
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It is another way things are changing as we learn to take better care of the earth.
For more information call 204 687 6169.

Originally published  Apr 6/16  The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

April 14, 2016 is the date for the Flin Flon & District Environment Council’s annual meeting. It will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Non-profit membership organizations like the Flin Flon & District Environment Council, Inc. must have an annual meeting to report the activities of the previous year, to present the financial report and to elect new board members.

These meetings ensure the organization is accountable to the members and the general public.

Annual General Meetings or AGM’s don’t usually attract many people. This is reflected in the fact that many organization’s bylaws set the AGM quorum – the number of members required to attend to make decisions –at five percent of the membership.

It is in fact, a golden opportunity to find out more about recycling.

The Environment Council AGMs are divided into two parts.

The meeting begins with an informative power point about developments in the recycling program. Awards are presented to supporters of recycling and the environment. Questions from the audience are always welcome.

The business meeting is after the refreshment break.  It provides information about the operational details and financial affairs of the organization in 2015 including the financial report. Members can ask questions and make suggestions for change.

Board members are elected to make guide and decisions throughout the year about the recycling program and other activities related to the organization’s goals.

New Board members are always welcome. The Board meets 6 – 8 times per year.
Memberships are $5.00/year for individuals and $8.00 for a family and will be available at the meeting.

There is information about the organization on the website. Check the ‘About Us’ tab. 

Originally published Mar 30/16   The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

Any material that has a danger symbols on the packaging is hazardous waste. Some examples are aerosol cans, household cleaners, lawns and gardens chemicals, gasoline, and single use propane canisters.

These things can cause serious damage to the environment.

 In past years hazardous waste was collected one afternoon in September at Centoba Park.

The planned construction of a year round Household Hazardous Waste depot at the Flin Flon landfill is a huge step forward in getting rid of garbage responsibly in this community.

An example of the hazards is the mercury in CFL bulbs.  They have a thick white base and use much less energy to light homes. They are harmless unless they break.

The tubes are filled with mercury vapour and particles. Mercury is nasty.

What should you do if one breaks? Health Canada gives the following procedures.

Everyone including pets should leave the area immediately for a few minutes so the mercury vapor can disperse. Do not sweep or vacuum to avoid spreading the mercury around.  

Wear disposable gloves and mask. Scoop up the broken pieces with two pieces of boxboard and put them in a seal-able plastic bag. Large stiff recipe cards work well.

Wipe hard surfaces with a damp paper towel or wipe to collect the powder and small bits.  For soft surfaces, roll strips of packing tape with the sticky side out. Gently pat the area to collect everything.
 
Place the tape, damp towels, gloves, mask and boxboard in the plastic bag with the pieces and seal it.

Store in a safe place until you can bring it to the Recycling Centre for safe disposal.

Remember, the Recycling Centre is collecting fluorescent bulbs from homes only.

March total – 34,429 kg
        Newsprint – 2,425 kg
        Co-mingled* - 9,576 kg
        Office Paper – 3,627 kg
        Cardboard – 16,479 kg
        Glass – 1,790 kg
        Books -  535 kg
       

Total for 2016 – 98,848 kg
Total for 2015 (March)  – 92,182 kg

Batteries - 21 kg

* Co-mingled is unsorted materials sent to Winnipeg for sorting


Comments –  7 MT (metric tons) ahead of last year. We will need more to reach my goal of 500 by the end of the year, but this has been the slow season. Still planning to reach that goal!
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