Originally published June 21/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
​ 
It was an interesting question.

It came during the question and answer time at the end of a recycling presentation.   

“What is the return to us for the fees we pay when we buy things?”

At first I didn’t get it.

The ever present issue of not getting money back for beverage containers like Saskatchewan immediately came to mind so I described how the money back is actually money you paid when you bought it.  

With further discussion I realized the question was referring to the environmental fees that show up on your receipt when you buy a variety of things from tires to electronics and batteries to paint.

The person wanted to know what individuals get back for this ‘investment’.

There wasn’t time for a full discussion so I said the fees are an investment in the ‘big picture’. They help with the costs of recycling or getting rid of the items in a responsible way.

Here is the bigger picture.

The old way of putting stuff we are finished with in landfills and covering it up or dumping it in the bush or a field was relatively inexpensive.

However, there are several problems with the ‘old way’.

The liquid that runs out of landfills called leachate can poison lakes and rivers. Some things contaminate the ground. Toxic chemicals released into the air cause health issues for people and animals.

Using resources once and then burying them in a landfill means we will leave nothing for future generations.

The return on each person’s investment in environment fees means we have a safer healthier environment.

It means we can leave something for our grandchildren.
​
It is a good investment. 

Originally published June 14/17  The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
 
Several recycling magazines wait on my desk for me to find time to read them.  I found some time recently when I had to wait for a family member.

One article described the beginning of a major change in the assumptions about economic growth. Traditional thinking believes economic growth happens when more people use more stuff and energy – a straight line.

It reminded me of a video called ‘The Story of Stuff’ which also describes our thinking about stuff as a line – take resources from the earth, make something, sell that something, use it and throw it away. It goes on to show that the story is really much more complex.

Google it. The twenty minutes is worth it.

The magazine article described the new circular economy that finds ways to loop used stuff back into usefulness by repair or making something new.

Repairs are encouraged by making manuals easy to find. Companies sell a process that their machines do rather than selling the machine.  The company replaces used machines, refurbishes them and sends out to do the work again.

Recycling is a great example of looping. Instead of sending stuff to landfills mills recycle it into new stuff. Plastic becomes car parts and carpets. Aluminum cans become new aluminum cans or the body of an airplane. Cardboard becomes new cardboard.

Some other examples are using old cement for aggregate in new cement and recycling old drywall  into new drywall.

Self-serve car rental is making it easier to get around without buying a car.
​
Thinking in circles is important as everything we have comes from the earth. We can’t just keep throwing it away.  

Originally published June 7/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
 
I was on the dock the other day when someone dropped off recycling. They had a nice gift box with padding inside and wondered if it was recyclable. The answer was no because it was a mix of different materials.

I love questions.  When people ask about what is recyclable and what isn’t it means we have less garbage coming to the Recycling Centre.

Here are answers to some of the common questions.

• Items with mixed materials like padded envelopes with plastic, containers that are metal and cardboard, or special boxes with padding, plastic or Styrofoam are not recyclable. 
• Plastic bags, liners, wrappers and other ‘film’ plastic and Styrofoam are not recyclable.
• We cannot recycle aluminium foil pans.
• We cannot recycle coffee cups, paper towels, disposable plates and cutlery.
• Old dishes, mirrors, and window glass cannot be recycled, only glass bottles and jars.
• We cannot recycle old furniture, toys, clothes, window blinds and kitchen appliances with the exception of microwaves.

One person said they were unsure if the item was recyclable so they brought it just in case it was.

I understand that people want to recycle as much as possible. However, please check it out first as non-recyclable items are garbage. The less we have to deal with the better.

There are several ways to find out if an item is recyclable. Check the list on the website www.flinflonrecycling.org or the pictures on the Flin Flon Recycling Facebook page. Call us at 204 687 6169. Leave a message if no one answers.  A paper list is also available at the Centre.
​
Remember: If it is on the list, recycle it. If it’s not, it’s garbage. 

Originally published May 31/17  The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
 
There will be a place to take left over hazardous waste beginning in June. (Update - the opening is delayed as permits are required. Watch for news about its opening).

The City of Flin Flon was successful in getting funds for a permanent  hazardous waste depot at the Flin Flon Landfill. Two sea cans were purchased and modified in Winnipeg to create the depot. They have been set up at the landfill. Staff will be trained June 12.

The official opening will be announced in the local media, on the Flin Flon Recycling facebook page and our website:  www. flinflonrecycling.org.

These materials will not take up space in the landfill so no tipping fees will be charged if the only thing coming to the landfill is hazardous waste.

This is a great improvement for waste management in our community. Previously, hazardous materials were collected one afternoon in September at Centoba Park.  Home Hardware collects paint cans and the Recycling Centre collects paint cans and fluorescent bulbs.

What is hazardous waste? It is anything that has the danger symbols.  The symbols show a skull and cross bones (poisonous), flame (flammable), boney hand (corrosive) inside a stop sign or triangle shape.   

Common items include aerosol cans, paints, gasoline, flammable liquids, pesticides, fertilizers, cleaners and degreasers, glues, etc.

These items should definitely not go to the landfill or worse yet be dumped on the ground or down the drain. They are harmful. That is why they have those scary pictures.

Now there will be a safe way to take care of them any time.

Watch for promotional materials with information.  

The Recycling Centre will continue to collect fluorescent bulbs and paint cans for now.
Call the Recycling Centre at (204) 687-6169 if you have any questions. 

​Originally published May 26/17  The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
 
If your house is like mine, it is probably looks the best when I have invited guests.

The Homecoming planned for Trout Festival will bring lots of visitors to our town. It is time to clean our ‘house’.

The Recycling Centre is sponsoring the community litter clean up again this year. We are a little late getting started and we need your help.  

From now until June 12 we are encouraging residents to clean up litter in public areas in our community.  We are also organizing special cleanup events  for the Creighton Freeway and Perimeter.

Groups, families or individuals can let the Recycling Centre know the area they are cleaning up by calling (204) 687-6169.  Bags are available if needed.

There are prizes so we need the names and phone numbers of everyone who helped.  There are two $100.00 gift certificates from the Coop so far. There will be more.
​
It would be great to have a picture for our Facebook page or website. You can send the names, phone numbers and pictures to [email protected] or call the Recycling Centre.

The Creighton Freeway cleanup will be Tuesday evening May 30. The cleanup of the Perimeter will be Wednesday evening May 31. 

Volunteers can meet at 6:30 on the Phantom Lake Road Tuesday and in the parking lot behind the Community Hall on Wednesday. Bring gloves and a high viz vest if you have one.  Bags will be supplied.

If anyone wants to help but is not able to at these times, please call the Recycling Centre as we probably won’t get it all done in one evening.
​
Watch for updates on our Facebook page Flin Flon Recycling, or the web at www.flinflonrecycling.org. 

Originally published May 19/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
 
Research shows the best way encourage recycling is to make it easy.  Picking it up from homes increases rates significantly.

In May, 2003, the Recycling Centre began curbside pickup. People using the service were asked to pay $30.00/year. Payment was on the honour system. If recycling was on the curb it was picked up.

In 2006, seventy five households paid the fee. Many more were using the service.

Financial realities ended curbside recycling in June, 2007. Prices for recyclable materials fell and municipal support had not increased.   The curbside program cost much more than the fees brought in.

Tonnage dropped from 500 tonnes in 2007 to 398 tonnes in 2008 and even lower the next year.

In 2009 a public meeting on the future of recycling showed the community wanted recycling to continue. The Recycling Centre developed a new financial plan so it could survive.

Curbside pickups were reintroduced in 2010 to increase recycling rates.

The Centre needed a fee to cover the cost. The easiest way to know who had paid was to sell red bags. If there was a red bag on the curb with recyclables staff knew the fee had been paid. Two more bags/boxes and cardboard would also be picked up.
Pickups every other week.

Usage was falling. Many commented it was hard to remember which week was recycling week.

The schedule changed to weekly pickups in March 2015 to make it easier. In September, the route was shortened to include just the streets where people were using the program.

​Newcomers are always welcome. The list of streets is on the website at www.flinflonrecycling.org. New streets can be added by calling the Recycling Centre at 204 687 6169.

Originally published May 10/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
 
The Board of Directors of the Flin Flon & District Environment Council, Inc. includes a representative from the Town of Creighton and the City of Flin Flon as they contribute 27% of revenue. 

In 2004, LaVerne became the representative from Creighton.
 
This was the time when things were evolving. We moved into the new building. Curbside and business pickup services began.  Prices for materials were good.

LaVerne quickly understood the ins and outs of the recycling program and recognized its value.

Municipal support was not very strong. Grants remained the same from 2000 until 2007. When the sale prices for materials fell drastically in 2008, a lack of funds threatened to end the community recycling program.

LaVerne resigned as the Creighton Council representative to protest the poor support and to let another member of Council see the value and struggles recycling.

Thankfully he stayed on as a community board member.  His contributions at meetings and his promotion of recycling in the community have been very valuable.  He has served as chairperson since May 2014.

LaVerne needs to be busy and doesn’t waste time when something needs to be done. He volunteers in many ways every week during the summer from fixing to bagging and baling.

One day in 2014 I commented that bins on wheels to move materials around would make things so much easier. By the end of the week LaVerne had built three bins. There were four more by the end of summer. Now we have 10. These bins have increased the efficient use of space and time incredibly.

LaVerne keeps things cleaned up and organized. He is a very positive encouraging person to have around.
​
Thank you LaVerne.

Originally published May 3/17   The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

This November it will be 25 years since the community recycling began in Flin Flon.

In the early days, funding to ship the first three loads came from community sources, but it was evident the program needed support from other sources if it was to survive and grow. 

Graham Craig was the mayor in 1994 when we first approached the City of Flin Flon for money for recycling as it is part of waste management.  I remember meeting with Mr. Craig several times about it.

He was very encouraging. I knew he was promoting recycling at City Council.

In 1996, the City of Flin Flon gave recycling a $65,000.00 donation. That decision of City Council was the reason recycling moved forward instead of struggling along and probably dying.

Graham’s contribution was more than just as mayor. Graham and his wife Grace volunteered as sorters for several years in the early 2000’s .

He was on the Board of the Coop when they made a donation to recycling.

Even today when our paths cross he inquiries about recycling and is very encouraging.
I remember asking Graham to make a few comments at the AGM for the tenth year of recycling. 

His comments have stayed with me.  He said “As concern about environmental issues grows, recycling gives people something they can do every day to make things better.”

It is exciting to see more households recycling and making a difference. Graham’s contributions are a huge part of the current success of recycling in our community.

 This recognition is well deserved and long overdue.
​
Thank you  Graham Craig. 

Originally published Apr 26/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

Did you know that a single litre of used motor oil will contaminate a million litres of ground water?

Motor oil picks up nasty things like lead, cadmium, arsenic, dioxins, benzene and polycyclic aromatics in engines. If it is dumped on the ground or in drains, it can harm people, plants, animals, fish and other water creatures.

It sits on the surface of water, preventing sunlight and oxygen from getting into the water, affecting fish and water plants. It can kill fish, frogs and other animals that breathe from the water surface.

Burning used oil at low temperatures puts things in the air that can harm human health.  
Antifreeze (new or used) is harmful to people, animals and plants. Recycled antifreeze jugs should not be used for food containers so need to be kept separate from regular recycling.

In Manitoba, motor oil producers began to reclaim and reuse or recycle used motor oil, filters and containers in 1999. The program has been expanded to collect antifreeze and its containers

There are collection sites at the Flin Flon and Creighton Landfills. A business is licensed to collect the used motor oil, containers and filters from these sites and from local businesses.

Used oil can be recycled at 2 plants in Ontario and BC. In our part of the country it is used in high temperature oil furnaces certified and registered to burn used motor oil.
Antifreeze is recycled for reuse.

Oil and antifreeze containers are made into parking lot curbs and fence posts.  Oil filters are squished to remove the oil and recycled into rebar for cement construction.
​
Please be responsible. Tipping fees are not charged for these products. 


​

Originally published Apr 19/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.


April 22 is Earth Day. It is a day set aside to bring attention to importance of protecting the Earth so it can support life.

The first one was in the United States in 1970. It was organized by a two US senators, one a Republican, the other a Democrat.  People from all walks of life and political parties participated.

It became recognized around the world in 1990. The focus has changed over the years. Recycling was important in the 1990’s. Climate change is the main concern since the early 2000’s.

Earth Day is on Saturday this year. The Recycling Centre is celebrating by inviting everyone to an open house from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  The Centre is located at 9 Timber Lane, in the Eecol Electric building.

You will be able to see how all the different materials are processed and stored for shipping. A bale will be made at 1:30 and 3:00.

The Recycling Centre is really a Materials Recovery Facility or a MRF. Nothing is recycled into new things here.  It currently collects nine different categories of materials. 

Household recyclables, corrugated cardboard and office paper are compressed into large bales and shipped to Winnipeg. From there, these recyclables are sent to mills in the United States or Eastern Canada where they are made into new products.  

Each year, the company we ship to in Winnipeg sends information about the difference our recycling made the previous year.

In 2016, recycling from our communities saved 4,310 trees, 7,040,980 litres of water and 2,666,590 KWH of energy. Carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 1,188 metric tons and 1,705 cubic yards of garbage was kept out of local landfills.
​
Recycling makes a difference. 

Originally published Apr 5/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

The Recycling Centre is operated by the Flin Flon & District Environment Council, Inc., a non-profit organization. Its goal is to encourage environmentally friendly activities in our community. The recycling program has become the main activity of the organization.

As a non-profit, the Environment Council is not trying to make money.  All the money that comes into the organization is used to cover costs. Any money left over after expenses stays with the organization. 

Good business practices are still important for a non-profit. It must have enough money to cover expected costs if it wants to continue operating.

For many years, the recycling program finances were very tight. Flin Flon and Creighton provided extra funding to make ends meet in 2007 and 2008 when prices for materials fell sharply. The community wide curbside and business pickup services and cardboard recycling were dropped. 

In 2009 a public meeting showed strong support to continue community recycling. The Board of the Environment Council began to develop a better business plan.

Flin Flon and Creighton Councils agreed to a better funding plan.  

As prices increased, cardboard returned to the recycling program. Business and residential curbside pickups returned with a fee that covered the costs of these services.  Comingling most materials for sorting in Winnipeg reduced staff costs.

The recycling program finances are now stable. The Board of Directors watches how things are going. They will continue to make good business decisions as our community changes.

In 2016, revenue came from municipal governments (27%), pick up services (18%), recycling subsidies (17%), rent from Eecol (16%), sale of materials (9%), surplus from operating the Flin Flon landfill (8%) and from miscellaneous including fundraising and donations (5%). 

Note: If you are interested in municipal support or other history over the years, check out the Brief History category on this page. 

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

April 19, 2017 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 2016 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 www.flinflonrecycling.org. Check the ‘About Us’ tab. 

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

​Many people know that I promote community recycling. I am often asked recycling questions when I am out and about. Here are some examples.

First conversation:
​“Oh, I was going to ask you. Are coffee cans recyclable?”
“It depends what kind of container it is. If it is only plastic or metal, it is recyclable. Coffee containers  made of metal and cardboard are not recyclable because it is a mixed material. But all the lids from coffee cans are recyclable.”

Second Conversation:

“This plastic bag has the number 4 inside the recycling symbol. Does that mean you recycle it?”

“Unfortunately, we do not recycle any plastic bags or ‘film plastic’ as it is known in the industry. We cannot find a market for it even if there is a recycling number on it.”

The third conversation I overheard while eating lunch in a local restaurant.

“Most places give you money when you take in your recycling. Then it makes sense to recycle.”

It is correct that in most provinces you can get ten cents for returning beverage containers. In Manitoba, this is only available for beer containers.

In those other provinces, your beverage costs more. For example, in Saskatchewan you will pay a ten cent deposit and a six cent recycling levy when you buy an average bottle or can of pop.

When you return the container you will get your ten cent deposit back. The six cents is used to pay for the deposit system.

This is 14 cents more expensive than in Manitoba where you pay a two cent enviro levy.  It is used to subsidize municipalities for their recycling costs and pays for the free ‘Recycle Everywhere’ bins.

Originally published Mar 15/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

Recent studies show there are 100 batteries in the average Canadian household in remote controllers, watches, children’s toys, power tools, computers, alarm clocks and many other things.

Batteries are also used in industry and community infrastructure. For example, batteries provide phone service when the power is off
. 
There are three types of batteries.  Wet cell batteries are used mostly in vehicles. Dry cell and rechargeable batteries are most common in households and workplaces.

A chemical reaction inside batteries creates the power.  Chemicals include copper, cadmium, mercury, zinc, lead, nickel and lithium depending on the kind of battery.

Button batteries contain the most valuable materials. 

All batteries should be recycled to prevent these chemicals and metals from causing serious damage to the environment and human health.

The Flin Flon Recycling Centre began collecting dry cell and rechargeable batteries of all shapes and sizes for recycling in 2014. Vehicle batteries can be taken to local landfills where they are collected for recycling.

Batteries should be in a sealed bag or container when they are sent to the Recycling Centre so they can be separated from the other recyclables.

 The batteries are collected and shipped through the Call 2 Recycle program. This program is paid for by industry and a Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) that was added to household batteries February 1,2017.

Call 2 Recycle sends boxes and plastic bags as Li-Ion, SSLA/Pb and lithium primary batteries need to be shipped in separate bags according to Transport Canada rules to prevent fires. Button batteries are lithium and are placed between two pieces of tape.
Batteries are packed in the boxes and shipped.  

In 2016, the Recycling Centre shipped 354 kilograms of batteries for recycling.

Note: There are pictures of the battery recycling at the Recycling Centre on our facebook page 'Flin Flon Recycling'.

When I posted the pictures, someone asked where the batteries go. 

The batteries from Flin Flon are shipped to a sorting station in Hamilton, Ontario where they are sorted according to the kind they are - what metals/chemistry they have. They are then shipped to plants that can process the metals/chemicals in them. More info is available at www.cal2recycle.ca.  under the 'Why Recycle' tab.

Originally published Mar 8/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

​In many homes, composting outdoors is not possible. Vermi-composting is a way to compost indoors.

Red wiggler worms do the work. They are big eaters and leave large amounts of very rich compost behind. They live in a bin kept at room temperature with bedding made of shredded newspaper or computer paper.

The worms eat compostable materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, tea leaves and bags added to the bedding. Coffee grounds, citrus, onions, bread, rice, pasta can be composted in moderation, as these items can make their environment too acidic. The acidity can be controlled by adding crushed egg shells. These shells are also very nutritious for the worms.

Red wigglers are vegetarians so cannot eat meat, fish, bones, dairy products, oily foods and large pits or stones.

They also have lots of babies.

It is important the worms are not too wet or too dry. Drainage holes in the bottom of the bin with a tray underneath can prevent drowning. If the bedding seems dry, moisture can added with a spray bottle until it is damp.

Compost should be harvested every 3 to 6 months to keep the worms healthy. Too much compost in the bin can be fatal.   

I first learned of composting with worms from Bob Fortier, a dedicated volunteer in the recycling program in the early years. He was an avid gardener and liked to try new things. He would often show children his worms during recycling presentations at the schools.

Several others in the community have experience composting indoors with worms.
Information about where worms are available in our community is available by calling the Recycling Centre at (204) 687-6169.

Go to http://greenactioncentre.ca/green-your-routine/vermicomposting/ for more information.

Originally published Mar 1/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

Composting is form of recycling that can be completed in our community. It takes care of 30-40% of waste and the new material can be put to good use.  

Plant waste such as vegetable peels, grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, and wood chips can be composted. The result is a soil fertilizer that is better than chemicals.

Compost adds a wide variety of nutrients and micro-organisms to soil. It doesn’t wash away and helps keep the soil moist.

A compost pile can be created in your back yard with or without a bin. There are a variety of bins that can be bought or built.

The process takes a few months to a year or more, depending on how much attention it receives and how much ‘greens’ and ‘browns’ are in the mix.

Greens are vegetable and fruit scraps (fresh, cooked, or canned), coffee grounds/filters, tea leaves/bags, garden waste, fresh weeds without seeds, fresh grass clippings which are rich in nitrogen.

Browns are dry leaves, straw, dry hay, sawdust, woodchips from untreated wood, twigs, dried grass clippings, dried weeds without seeds, shredded paper napkins, tissue paper which are rich in carbon.

Eggshells, plain rice and pasta, bread, hair, wool, cotton can also be composted. 
A layer of black dirt will get the compost started. Mixing in browns and keeping it moist but not too wet will keep it from smelling.

The compost will work faster if it is stirred regularly which can be weekly to every month.

Meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, oily foods, bones, pet waste, weeds with mature seeds, plants infected with disease, plastic/petroleum products, metals, synthetic materials cannot be composted.

More information is available at http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/composting-basics-and-getting-started/. 

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

Kathy L. a Flin Floner who is a great friend of the environment, gave me some interesting information she received at a seminar at the Winnipeg Conservatory.

How long does it take to decompose a …
                 Banana peel – 1 month
                Corn based plastic – 45 days
                Cigarette butt – up to 10 years
                Aluminium can – 200 – 500 years
                Plastic bag – up to 1,000 years
                Styrofoam cup – 1 million years
 
It‘s no wonder people are concerned about litter.
 
This reminds me of something I read a while ago where researchers took drill cores (like they do for mineral exploration) in a landfill in New York State in the late 1990’s. In one section they found lots of meat. It was at the time there was a two day power blackout in 1965. They concluded the meat was thrown out after being unrefrigerated for too long. After 30 years it was still meat.

Information in newspaper columns need better sources than ‘I read an article a while ago!’ so I went to Google to get the facts. While I didn’t find the information about meat, I did find the Garbage Project, a 23 year archaeological dig in 10 landfills that discovered in all kinds of interesting facts about garbage and people’s habits.

They found newspapers that were readable whether they were 5 or 50 years old, grass clippings and even carrots and heads of lettuce.

Garbage needs to be in landfills not floating in the environment. However, landfills just hold things that break down very slowly!

f stuff is going to be around for such a long time, we need to put what we can to good use by recycling and composting. 

Originally published  Feb 15/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

In 2016, corrugated cardboard was 47% of materials recycled. Nine percent was office paper. This tells us the majority of recyclables in Flin Flon does not come from homes. 

It is great that many workplaces in our community recycle.

There are industrial places like HudBay, commercial enterprises like grocery stores and restaurants, and institutions like schools and health care facilities.

The Recycling Centre picks up recyclables from 45 workplaces.  The pickup schedule varies. Some places have pickups several times a week. Others have pickups once or twice a month or when needed. There is a fee for this service.

Several businesses producing large amounts of recyclables store items in a large bin or shed.

Some workplaces bring their recyclables to the Centre.

Here are some tips for recycling at work:

• Flatten cardboard boxes and put them in one box. It will take up less space and is easier to carry.
• Shredded office paper can be recycled. It should be in a separate bag. Remove all newsprint, plastic covers, file folders and other things before shredding.
• Provide a recycling container every desk as most waste at desks is recyclable paper.
• Coffee cups, tissues, paper towels, plastic wrapping, food items, candy and food wrappers, are not recyclable and belong in the garbage.
• Many posters and other display materials are recyclable. If it can be torn it is recyclable.
• Laminated items and mixed materials like padded envelopes, and coffee cans made of tin and cardboard are not recyclable.
• Several sizes of bins for beverage containers are available free for businesses from Recycle Everywhere.

For more information about recycling in your workplace, call 204 687 6169.

Originally published Feb 8/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

It was part of a conversation again last week. The person said something I have heard since recycling began. “Most of the stuff sent for recycling just ends up in the landfill.”

This belief probably had its beginning in fact somewhere many years ago. It may still be partially or completely true in some places but it is the exception not the rule.

Any operation produces some garbage. The average recycling centre or Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where materials are processed for shipping has an average garbage rate of 5%.

The Recycling Centre is very aware of the trust the public places in us to keep recyclables out of the landfill and send them on to a new life.
 
Recyclables from Flin Flon are sent to Cascades Recovery, Inc., in Winnipeg. We pay $45.00/tonne for materials to be sorted.  Landfill tipping fees in Winnipeg are $65.00/tonne so it is highly unlikely recyclables are being sent to landfill as the company would be losing money.

We have toured Cascades operations twice. We have seen the sort line, and bales of materials stored for shipping to mills for recycling. 

We are also very confident that the electronics we ship are recycled.  In April, 2105 two of us had the opportunity to tour Exner Ewaste in Elie, Manitoba which is where our electronics are recycled.

The Electronic Products Recycling Association which pays for ewaste recycling has very stringent requirements for the recycling process. They make sure the recycling process is safe for workers and that recycling happens without damaging the environment.
​
There are pictures from the Cascades tour and a news item about ewaste recycling on our facebook page: Flin Flon Recycling.

Originally published Feb 1/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

I was asked the other day if we accept meat trays for recycling. Many have the recycling symbol on them with a number six. My answer was ‘No’.

A suggestion on our ‘Flin Flon Recycling’ facebook page helped me decide to look for more information. Here is what I found.

The technical name for number six plastic is polystyrene (PS). Meat trays and many other things are made from ‘extruded polystyrene’ or polystyrene foam.  Most of us call it Styrofoam which is actually a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Company for extruded polystyrene used for thermal insulation and craft applications.

Polystyrene foam has many uses because it is strong, lightweight, cheap, and sanitary to use.

According to the Canadian Plastic Industry Association’s web page, polystyrene foam is very recyclable.  However, only about 35% of recycling programs in Canada accepts it.

This is because it is 90% air. It takes up a lot of space and is very light. It requires special machines to compact or ‘densify’ it enough to make shipping feasible.

The Recycling Centre gets a lot of polystyrene foam. The biggest pieces are usually found in cardboard boxes where it protected whatever came in the box. It has to be removed before the cardboard is baled which takes time and can be challenging, as it may be stuck tightly in the box.

Foam cups, meat trays, egg cartons, and other items often found with other recyclables we receive. They are removed and put in the garbage.

If the company we ship to in Winnipeg finds a market for number six plastic containers we will accept them.

It is highly unlikely however, that we will ever recycle PS foam. 

​Originally published  Jan 29/17  The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
If this sounds somewhat familiar, I used a column from 2014 and reworked it. :) 

Just living produces garbage or waste which we throw away. But where is ‘away’?

Everything used to go to the landfill where it was covered up and forgotten by most people. Over time, many places didn’t have space for more landfills and the landfills were leaking harmful chemicals.  

People realized that more than half of the garbage was recyclable which would save space, energy and resources. Ways to get rid of toxic items without damaging the environment were developed.

So ‘away’ is changing.

Landfills collect metal which is picked up and made into new metal. Vehicle batteries, used oil/antifreeze, their containers and filters are collected and sent for recycling.

Tires collected at the Flin Flon landfill are sent for recycling into a variety of things.

Recyclables such as food containers, cardboard packaging, newspaper and office paper, electronics and household batteries are collected at the Recycling Centre.

Changes are coming to make getting rid of toxic materials which have danger symbols on the label, and fluorescent light bulbs easier. These items should not go in the garbage!

Currently, the Home Hardware and the Recycling Centre take paint. The Centre also accepts fluorescent bulbs and thermostats.

A Hazardous Waste depot is coming to Flin Flon the Landfill in spring of 2017 so these items should be stored until then.

Old or unused medication can be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

The rest goes to the landfill.  

It is important to think about where ‘away’ is and be responsible with the things we are finished with it. With a couple of new habits, we can make the world a better place.

And wherever ‘away’ is, it is NOT in the bush!
 

Originally published Jan 18/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

It happened again last week. Someone left a bunch of wood in the Recycling Centre’s dumpsters. The garbage truck will not take it so one of our staff spent over half an hour in the cold removing it.

This is the second time we have had to remove wood from the dumpster and take it to the landfill.

I suspect only one person is responsible for this.

It is the same when we are going through the bags dropped off at the Recycling Centre.  Many have very little or no garbage, but the bag we remember is the one that has diapers, food or as much garbage as  recyclables.

It is easy to be frustrated with the variety of non-recyclable items including building materials, appliances, furniture that we find on the dock.

This is the negative power of the actions of one or a few people.

I remind myself and my staff that the non-recyclable items we have to deal with make up a very small percentage of everything dropped off at the Centre. 

I am reminded of the positive power of one.

There is the power of one person in a home or business who decides to recycle and works to make it happen.

There is the power of one person encouraging their friends or family members to recycle.
There is the power of the individual leaders in the community who decided to make recycling happen in our community many years ago and those who continue to support it.

There is the power of individuals who volunteer their time as Board members. 

All these individual positives add up to a successful recycling program in our community. 

Originally published  Jan 11/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

​The beginning of a new year is a time to review the accomplishments and challenges of the last 12 months for the recycling program.

Success is usually measured by how many metric tons (tonnes) of recyclables were processed.  A total of 442 tonnes was collected in 2016. This is 18 tonnes less than 2015 which doesn’t look very good.    

It depends on how you look at it.

It is the fifth highest total in 24 years of recycling in this community
. 
The amount of comingled materials which come mostly from homes is up by 11 tonnes. This is good news.

Twenty-two tonnes of electronics and 354 kilograms of batteries were recycled.

Several things were accomplished in 2016.

Dual recycling/garbage bins were installed on Main St. They idea began  in the summer 2014. It became a joint project with the City of Flin Flon and the Flin Flon Neighbourhood Revitalization Corporation and Recycle Everywhere. Flin Flon Credit Union and Reliance Services each contributed one. Installation problems delayed things but this spring everyone worked together to get it done.

These bins make the statement that this community recycles.

Denare Beach and Lake residents voted to contribute money to the recycling program in 2017. The first curbside pickup in Denare Beach was December 27. A recycling trailer will be placed at the Paradise Landfill this summer.

The Recycling Centre began collecting paint, fluorescent bulbs and thermostats for proper disposal.

The one day collection of hazardous waste at Centoba Park didn’t happen this year because a year round depot for hazardous waste will be installed at the Flin Flon landfill next spring.
​
2017 will be another good year. 

Originally published Jan 4/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

The two weeks following Christmas are the busiest time at the Recycling Centre. Closing for one day is all we can manage before there is too much on the dock to be safe or responsible. 

I am thankful for a great team who are flexible with work hours so a couple of people could work the Mondays this year.

I am thankful that our community is embracing recycling. I haven’t had time to add up the numbers for the final tonnage but I know the recyclables we bale for sorting in Winnipeg is up more than ten metric tonnes or tonnes. This is mostly recyclables from homes.

Cardboard tonnage is down. This may be because fewer things in boxes were sold. It also indicates that more businesses need to recycle.

As I work with my team prepping recyclables for shipping, I am aware of a few messages we need to get out.

We need to advertise every year that wrapping paper is not recyclable.

The only kitchen appliance recycled through the electronics program is microwaves. We cannot recycle coffee makers, crock pots, blenders, sewing machines, vacuum cleaners or any other small appliance.

It is very helpful when Styrofoam and other foamy or plastic packing are removed from cardboard boxes.

We do not recycle window glass, ornaments, dishes etc. Only glass bottles and jars are recycled. Their lids should be removed before they are dropped off.  

It is great when recyclables are in a closed bag or box. We can handle it quicker and it doesn’t make a mess. The blue bins at the Centre are for loose materials.

Telephone calls asking for information are great.

Happy New Year to everyone.