Originally published Nov 29/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

This is my new favourite verb!

I didn’t make it up. It is part of a video about recycling that I posted on the Flin Flon Recycling Facebook group.  The video is from New York City but has valuable information.  Check it out.

One of the problems identified in the video is ‘wish-cycling’. The verb is defined as “The act of throwing something not recyclable into the recycling bin hoping it can be recycled when it cannot.”

The main example in the video is plastic bags or film plastic. This is something we see a lot of at the Recycling Centre. It includes plastic wrap and the tear open packaging. If it is not hard plastic, we can’t recycle it.

Another common non-recyclable item we receive is coffee cups. Many are labeled compostable and environmentally friendly. However, there is a difference between compostable and recyclable. Compostable items will break down in a compost pile but do not have the strong long fibres required for recycling. Other coffee cups cannot be recycled as they have too many non-paper materials in them such as waxes or plastic.

Other common wish-cycling items at the Recycling Centre are Styrofoam, wrapping paper, toys, window blinds, building materials, office and patio furniture, cupboards and fans. The list is much longer.

Sometimes we can use the items. Sometimes I advertise things or take them to local second hand stores.Most of it ends up in the landfill. Getting it there takes time and uses fuel.

Wish-cycling wastes time and energy.
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Wishing that something to be recyclable doesn’t mean it is. Please check the website at www.flinflonrecycling.org , our Facebook page or call (204) 687-6169 if you are not sure.  

Originally published Nov 22/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

Electronic gadgets have become a big part of the things we use each day. They also wear out or are no longer needed.

They should not end their lives in the landfill as they are recyclable.   

The Recycling Centre at 9 Timber Lane accepts electronics for recycling. This includes computers and all their parts, sound systems, televisions, telephones, photocopiers and microwaves.

There is information on the sign at the Recycling Centre and on the web at www.recycleMYelectronics.ca/mb.

Items can be left on the dock at any time.  Bring items between 8 and 3:30 on weekdays or 11 and 2 on weekends if you need help with large items or you want them to be locked up.

The electronics are stacked on pallets and wrapped for shipping to Exner Ewaste, a Manitoba company that meets high safety standards for recycling electronics.

The Recycling Centre has been involved with electronics recycling since 2009. It was a summer program only for the first three years.  

Manufacturers and retailers of electronic products took over responsibility through a non-profit organization called Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) in August 2012. It is required by law to ensure electronics are recycled responsibly in a way that is safe for the workers and the environment.

Electronics recycling conserves resources as the plastics, glass and metals including precious metals are recovered and sold to make new materials.

The environmental handling fee (EHF) added to eligible electronic items at the store funds the program.  The EPRA uses this money to cover the cost of recycling electronics.  They pay the Recycling Centre for collecting and storing the items and the shipping costs.
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Over 30 metric tons have been shipped in 2017.

November total – 37,397 kg
       
        Co-mingled* - 13,752 kg
        Office Paper – 2,298 kg
        Cardboard – 17,487 kg
        Glass – 3,117 kg
        Books -  743 kg

Total for 2017 – 430,138 kg
Total for 2016 – 407,116 kg
Difference – +23,022 kg


Batteries – 64 kg

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