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!
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!
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