Originally published May 14, 2014. The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
Not enough space or time to sort is often the reason (excuse) given for not recycling.
In reality, sorting has never been a requirement, although it was helpful. Now it is definitely not needed as materials are not being sorted at the Recycling Centre anymore.
Since October 2013, recyclables are removed from the bags and boxes they arrive in. Glass, beer cans/bottles and big garbage is removed. The rest is baled and sent to Winnipeg where it is sorted on a sort line for $40.00/metric ton.
The reason for this change was mainly about money. To continue sorting 12 different products as volumes increased would have required at least one more staff person and money to buy sorting equipment. Finding the money to hire more staff and buy equipment was nearly impossible. The prices for most of the products was so low, it didn’t even pay for shipping.
Many other communities our size, like Thompson and The Pas were shipping ‘comingled’ materials to Winnipeg for sorting. It made financial sense.
The Centre staff was reduced by 1.5 positions. The money saved on wages pays for about 825 tonnes of sorting in Winnipeg, more than this community recycles in a year. Corrugated cardboard doesn’t require sorting, so it is still baled separately and sold.
Several good things have resulted. The recyclables do not pile up for long. They are baled and shipped quickly. There is more space as it is not necessary to store enough of 12 different products to make a bale of each. The financial situation is less difficult. Wages have been increased.
Now there is no reason (excuse) not to recycle. If it’s on the list of recyclables, recycle it.
Not enough space or time to sort is often the reason (excuse) given for not recycling.
In reality, sorting has never been a requirement, although it was helpful. Now it is definitely not needed as materials are not being sorted at the Recycling Centre anymore.
Since October 2013, recyclables are removed from the bags and boxes they arrive in. Glass, beer cans/bottles and big garbage is removed. The rest is baled and sent to Winnipeg where it is sorted on a sort line for $40.00/metric ton.
The reason for this change was mainly about money. To continue sorting 12 different products as volumes increased would have required at least one more staff person and money to buy sorting equipment. Finding the money to hire more staff and buy equipment was nearly impossible. The prices for most of the products was so low, it didn’t even pay for shipping.
Many other communities our size, like Thompson and The Pas were shipping ‘comingled’ materials to Winnipeg for sorting. It made financial sense.
The Centre staff was reduced by 1.5 positions. The money saved on wages pays for about 825 tonnes of sorting in Winnipeg, more than this community recycles in a year. Corrugated cardboard doesn’t require sorting, so it is still baled separately and sold.
Several good things have resulted. The recyclables do not pile up for long. They are baled and shipped quickly. There is more space as it is not necessary to store enough of 12 different products to make a bale of each. The financial situation is less difficult. Wages have been increased.
Now there is no reason (excuse) not to recycle. If it’s on the list of recyclables, recycle it.
RSS Feed