Originally published Nov 20/19 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
Contamination was the topic of a panel discussion at the recent MARR forum in Winnipeg.
The representative of the company who sorts and sells our recyclables stated that allowable contamination rates have dropped from 5% to 0.5% in the past year.
The easiest place to prevent contamination is at the source: in homes and businesses. We try to remove everything that isn’t recyclable at the Centre, but the less we have to remove the better.
It is important to know what is recyclable in our community.
Common contamination items are plastic bags and wrap, black plastic of any kind, mixed material items such as cardboard and metal containers, coffee cups, disposable plates and utensils, disposable paper products like paper towel, food stained boxes, waxy boxes and food bags.
The other big contamination problem is liquids contaminating paper items. Many bottles arrive with the lid on and a teaspoon or two of liquid in them. When these are pressed into the bale, they leak onto paper items making them garbage.
Beverage containers should be drained and have the lids removed.
Empty the bottle and give it a shake. A couple of drips is okay. A teaspoon or two is not.
To avoid contamination, make sure items sent to the Centre are on the list of recyclables. Many items that people wish are recyclable are not.
If you are not sure check the pictures of recyclable and non-recyclable items on the website flinflonrecycling.org or call us at (204) 687-6169.
Here are two things to remember:
First, we recycle PPM – packaging and print materials. This does not include toys, dishes, and large metal items.
Second, microwaves are the only recyclable household appliance.
Contamination was the topic of a panel discussion at the recent MARR forum in Winnipeg.
The representative of the company who sorts and sells our recyclables stated that allowable contamination rates have dropped from 5% to 0.5% in the past year.
The easiest place to prevent contamination is at the source: in homes and businesses. We try to remove everything that isn’t recyclable at the Centre, but the less we have to remove the better.
It is important to know what is recyclable in our community.
Common contamination items are plastic bags and wrap, black plastic of any kind, mixed material items such as cardboard and metal containers, coffee cups, disposable plates and utensils, disposable paper products like paper towel, food stained boxes, waxy boxes and food bags.
The other big contamination problem is liquids contaminating paper items. Many bottles arrive with the lid on and a teaspoon or two of liquid in them. When these are pressed into the bale, they leak onto paper items making them garbage.
Beverage containers should be drained and have the lids removed.
Empty the bottle and give it a shake. A couple of drips is okay. A teaspoon or two is not.
To avoid contamination, make sure items sent to the Centre are on the list of recyclables. Many items that people wish are recyclable are not.
If you are not sure check the pictures of recyclable and non-recyclable items on the website flinflonrecycling.org or call us at (204) 687-6169.
Here are two things to remember:
First, we recycle PPM – packaging and print materials. This does not include toys, dishes, and large metal items.
Second, microwaves are the only recyclable household appliance.
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