Navigating the proper disposal of everyday waste in Edmonton can play a significant role in our community’s environmental health. With a robust system designed to encourage recycling and composting, knowing what goes where is essential for effective waste management. Here’s a guide to help you decide whether to recycle, compost, or throw away your waste, including common items like pizza boxes and dog poop.
1. Recycling: What Goes in the Blue Bags?
Edmonton’s blue bag recycling program is geared towards a variety of materials, primarily focusing on clean recyclables:
Metals and Glass: Clean tin cans, aluminum foil, pie plates, glass bottles, and jars are recyclable.
Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, and flattened cardboard boxes are accepted. Pizza boxes, however, can be tricky; only place them in the recycling bin if they are free of food residue and grease. If a pizza box is soiled, it should go into the compost bin instead.
Plastics: Containers and packaging labeled with recycling symbols #1 through #7 are recyclable. Ensure they are rinsed and free of food.
2. Composting: What Goes in the Green Bin?
Edmonton has made strides with its composting program, allowing for a wide range of organic materials to be composted:
Pet Waste: Dog poop can be placed in the green bin. Use certified compostable bags or paper bags for disposal to ensure it breaks down properly within the city’s composting system.
Food Scraps: All food waste, including meat, fish, bones, dairy, and bread, is compostable.
Yard Waste: Includes leaves, grass clippings, and small branches.
Soiled Paper Products: Paper towels, napkins, and greasy pizza boxes that cannot be recycled due to contamination.
3. Garbage: What Should Be Thrown Away?
Items that can’t be recycled or composted should be placed in your black garbage bin:
Special Waste: Items like light bulbs, diapers, and hygiene products must be bagged securely and disposed of in the garbage.
Non-recyclable Plastics: Includes plastic bags, wrap, and any plastics without a recycling symbol.
Polystyrene Foam: Often found in take-out containers and packing material.
Broken Glass and Ceramics: These materials cannot be recycled and should be disposed of carefully.
5. Maximizing Your Impact
To further reduce your environmental footprint:
Community Engagement: Participate in local environmental initiatives to help maintain a clean and sustainable community.
Reduce and Reuse: Consider if an item can be reused or repurposed before deciding to recycle or compost it.
Stay Informed: Rules and guidelines for waste management can change. Use resources like the city’s WasteWise app for up-to-date information and tips on proper disposal.
When to Hire a Junk Removal Company
There are times when managing large, bulky, or hazardous waste might be beyond what local disposal services can handle. If you’re undertaking a major home renovation, cleaning out a property, or dealing with items that are not suitable for regular waste collection services, hiring a professional junk removal company like “You Junk It… I Dump It” can be your best option. Such companies are equipped to handle large volumes of waste responsibly and efficiently, ensuring that everything is disposed of according to local regulations, with a commitment to recycling and repurposing wherever possible.