Miscellaneous

Originally published Nov 25/20 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.

Here are some random little details that make a difference at the Recycling Centre.  

1. Shredded paper

A large quantity of shredded paper has been arriving at the Recycling Centre. The majority is coming from HB and other large operators. Smaller bags arrive from homes and small business. The vast majority has nothing else mixed in which is great.
 
Shredded paper is sold so needs to be clean. It should not include file folders, shiny paper, newspaper type fliers, laminated items or other plastics like overhead transparency sheets or discs. Printer paper that has not been shredded can be included.
 
     2. Confidential Information
Sometimes papers with confidential information such as social insurance and bank account numbers are included with recyclables. These items should be shredded or the numbers blacked out or removed. It is highly unlikely they will be found by anyone after they are baled but it is always wise to protect this information.
 
Any cheques that have been deposited by taking a picture should be marked as deposited or be shredded before they are recycled.
 
     3. Online shopping
The number of cardboard boxes from online shopping has increased significantly in recent years. Fortunately, cardboard is very recyclable.  Most of the packaging is not.
 
All Styrofoam, plastic air bags, white foamy wrap and other miscellaneous pieces should be removed from the boxes.
 
     4. Plastic bags 
The Recycling Centre currently has no place to send plastic bags so they go to the garbage. Some stores are collecting them. The Food Bank can use them as well. 
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Thank you for your help. Recycling operations are much more efficient when recyclers pay attention to little details like these.