What More Can We Be Doing to Recycle Construction Waste in the GTA – read here!

A massive category of waste management and waste disposal services in Toronto are construction-produced materials. Seemingly every day, we send more building waste to landfills. When the majority of this material is reusable or recyclable, it’s shocking how much receive the landfill treatment.

As we erect 100s of new units, condo buildings, apartments, and homes, construction creates waste. There is no avoiding it. A lot of this comes from demolition which on average produces over 155 pounds of waste per square foot. This adds up very quickly. When construction waste isn’t managed properly, it contributes to three effects.

What More Can We Be Doing to Recycle Construction Waste in the GTA – read here!

 The overflowing of Ontario landfills.
 Deteriorating ecosystems.
 A loss of valuable reusable or recyclable materials.

What is construction waste?

Construction waste is defined as things like asphalt, concrete, gravel, bricks, ceramics, wood, plumbing, insulation, glass, metal, and electrical fixtures. According to an estimate by Construction Specifications Canada, construction waste makes up 23 percent of Canada’s overall waste stream.

What is the environmental impact of construction waste in our landfills?

It is easy for a construction company to dump unused or unwanted materials into a landfill. Sometimes, dumpster rentals or bin rentals for construction are provided by unethical companies without a commitment to the environment. All they care about is collecting waste, dropping it at the landfill, and getting paid. What this approach to construction waste does is have a very sizeable negative impact.

Landfills emit methane and other chemical fumes polluting the air around us. Paints, varnishes, and other hazardous chemicals that enter our landfills through construction waste cause an added effect of some of this very harmful waste seeping into the Earth. Any sort seepage like this can pollute our groundwater, destroy ecosystems and waterways, and contaminate limited freshwater supplies. This is why construction waste needs to be very carefully handled. The alternative is a level of pollution which while entirely unnecessary can also really wreck the environment around us.

How do we solve the construction waste problem in Toronto?

We can solve the construction waste problem in Toronto with a dual-pronged approach – reducing non-recyclable waste and reusing our recyclables.

Construction and demolition can’t happen without the material involved. Ensuring those are recyclable materials should be priority. Construction project managers should also ensure what they’re ordering isn’t producing leftovers that need to be tossed. Over-ordering is sadly very common. Workers should also be properly trained in recognizing salvageable or recyclable materials.

As it relates to demolition waste materials, we recommend using a deconstruction approach which involves removing materials more strategically. This minimizes the spread of potentially hazardous dust and also ensures no items or materials that are reusable end up destroyed to such a degree that they are no longer.

What does a deconstruction do for a construction waste management protocol?

A deconstruction is such a great approach to demolition and construction because not everything is necessarily waste or recycling. Some things can be salvaged and reused like they already are. Aluminum gutters, wooden beams, and copper wiring are all in high demand, as examples of what a deconstruction can procure.

Materials like these that are picked up from demolition can be sold for profit, donated, or potentially repurposed on newly constructed homes. This sort of salvaging will save the extraction of non-renewables like copper, aluminum, and steel. You’re also saving the many systems surrounding soil, water, and that gets disturbed every time we mine.

What construction materials are recyclable?

Concrete, wood, metals, and asphalt are all recyclable construction materials. The concrete industry can create new concrete from these recyclables, just like the glass recycling industry can do the same with recycled glass materials.

There’s so much more that can be recycled on a construction site as well, like light fixtures, hardware, and appliances. If possible, connect with a local charity organization. If you live in Toronto, several organizations are willing to accept furniture, appliances, light fixtures, hardware, electronics, and more from construction and demolition. It doesn’t hurt to have a relationship with a party like this. Offloading the materials you don’t want to recycle or self-manage takes some of the strain off you.

If you rent a dumpster for a construction or demolition – and let’s face it, you should! – ensure dumpsters are properly labeled as either ‘waste’ or ‘recycling’. When a worker puts waste into recycling, it could potentially contaminate what’s in there. You want to keep the bins separate and marked, ensuring recyclable materials can be recycled without issue.

What do the laws in Ontario say about construction waste?

Ontario has several regulations guiding construction, demolition, and waste disposal in development. The two main regulations are as follows.

 A requirement to provide work plans and audits.
 Construction firms must engage in source separation programs for materials including, but not limited to, brick, drywall, steel, wood, and Portland cement.

The current Ontario Conservative government is discussing several possibilities relating to maximizing construction waste recycling. The potential regulations to come include the following.

 An obligation to engage in landfill diversion efforts on every construction project.
 Waste-to-energy programs that allow construction firms to divert landfill waste by converting non-recyclable waste into energy.
 An Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP) obligation that assigns a firm responsibility to recycle to the construction company. Ontario ERP regulations already apply to tires, batteries, electronics, lighting, appliances, and paint and solvents. If allowed on constructions, this would mean materials such as flooring, carpets, furniture, tiles, lighting, electronics, and appliances would have to be recycled.

What’s somewhat problematic is that Ontario has a commitment to go waste-free by an unspecified date outlined in the Waste-Free Ontario Act, 2016. Despite the well-intentioned legislation, construction waste is not included in this commitment. The current provincial government hopes to inspire the private sector to find the solutions needed to reduce waste in contraction without imposing definitive restrictions that need to be met.

Are you looking for waste disposal for your construction waste? Core Mini Bins is a waste management firm with a commitment to landfill diversion and the reusability and recycling of construction materials. We offer dumpster and bin rentals, demolition, excavation, bobcat services, and more. Let us assist you on your next construction project to control your waste, recycling, and deconstruction. Contact a representative at Core Mini Bins today.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/759-what-more-can-we-be-doing-to-recycle-construction-waste-in-the-gta-read-here.html

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Excavation, Demolition, or Bobcat Contractor

Demolition and excavation contractors are very important in the Toronto recycling industry. Development wouldn’t be able to continue without the use of contractors in excavations, bobcat services, and demolition.

When you need to tear a building down to make room for a new construction, you call demolition contractors. When you need a site cleared so that you can move forward with redevelopment, excavators and bobcat operators come in handy.

The obstacles in front of your construction are what Toronto contractors like us specialize in removing. When hiring an excavation, demolition, or bobcat contractor, there are no doubt questions you want answered. What your prospective contractor says in response will communicate a lot regarding how they do business and whether they’re worth hiring.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Excavation, Demolition, or Bobcat Contractor

Does your excavation contractor have a business license?

Anyone with a bobcat or excavator can do the work if they’re experienced enough. They aren’t operating legally though if they aren’t under a business license. By hiring a contractor where everything’s official and they are a legitimate business, this ensures your interests are protected.

Is your excavator and demolition crew licensed, certified, and trained?

Your excavation and demolition crew should be properly certified, experienced, and fully trained. This may seem obvious but if you don’t ask this question, you could run the risk of allowing someone on your construction site with the potential to cause a health and safety accident. A safe and efficient excavation or demolition requires a specific set of skills. Techniques, tech, and safety regulations sometimes change. The contractors you hire should have updated knowledge on what the expectation is of them in their roles.

Is your excavator or demolition crew experienced?

It’s one thing to say you’re experienced and it’s another thing to be experienced. Ask about past projects your contractor has worked on. The best way to ensure a job gets done safely, according to schedule, and on budget is to go with a team that’s done this before.

Should the excavator or demolition company I hire be insured?

You want to protect your interests, as should an excavator or demolition contractor. Contractors uninsured shouldn’t even be entertained. An excavation or demolition should only be done by those properly insured and trained to carry out the work.

Does the excavator or demolition service have references?

If this is the first time hiring a Toronto excavation or demolition service, don’t hesitate to ask for references. A contractor should be used to being asked for references and willing to provide them. These will include past projects they have worked on and preferably similar environments like the one you’re asking them to work in.

How important is it to conduct an asbestos inspection before a demolition?

Asbestos is serious business. Any building that’s about to be demolished should be thoroughly inspected beforehand to ensure asbestos is safely removed. You shouldn’t be discovering asbestos as you’re undergoing deconstruction or demolition.

Asking for an estimate from an excavator or demolition service

Obviously, a big concern you may have in hiring an excavation or demolition contractor is schedule and budget. Any experienced contractor will usually provide a free no-obligation estimate on demolition and excavation, often complete with the schedule on which they would work. The quote should be fairly accurate to what the finished expense will be. It is integral to understand everything that’s included and what isn’t. Ask about the specifics. Not every estimate is the same. You don’t want a surprise come payment time, with services that weren’t originally included or additional fees.

How will the clean-up of materials be handled after demolition or excavation?

Understand how materials will be cleaned up after demolition. Sometimes, cleanup will be included in the initial estimate and quote. Other times, it can be an additional cost. Ideally, you don’t want to be handling the mess yourself although a dumpster or mini bin rental can be arranged to assist with that. As much of the materials as possible from a demolition should be recycled however, this isn’t always possible.

Is there a way to salvage demolition materials to be reused?

As a site is demolished, a lot of recoverable materials are produced. Even the concrete is recoverable. Metal is particularly desirable. An experienced Toronto demolition contractor likely has relationships with local recycling plants, waste disposal methods, and organizations open to accepting materials that will otherwise be thrown into a landfill somewhere. The more landfill space we save through a smart, eco-friendly demolition, the better.

What level of priority will health and safety be given on-site?

If you’ve ever had someone get hurt on your construction site, you know it’s not a good feeling. Health and safety should be a top priority for any contractor you hire. Especially in demolition, you want to have a safety plan in place that covers the property, the people on it, and the contractors completing the job. Minimize environmental hazards, protect others, and know the risks of hazardous materials.

What is the cancellation policy around a demolition or excavation?

The unfortunate thing about construction in Toronto is that often, plans change. There are cancellations or postponements, or unexpected events that push back the schedule and/or increase the overall cost. Before signing a contract with a demolition or excavation contractor, know what the cancellation clause is. You want to save yourself time, effort, and money, and ensure your contractor’s acting in the same way. Both parties should be aware of the risks involved.

There are no better 11 questions to ask a contractor doing excavations, demolitions, or offering bobcat services than these. If you’re looking for high-quality, reliable excavation and demolition contractors, contact Core Mini Bins today. We are more than happy to answer all these questions and any others you may have. Our utmost priority is to conduct a safe, efficient construction operation while recycling and salvaging as much of the material as possible. We maintain a commitment to excellence that is unparalleled in the industry. As your construction partner, you can hold us to that.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/758-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-an-excavation-demolition-or-bobcat-contractor.html

Where You Are Most Likely to Find Asbestos, Mold, and Water Damage in a Demolition

Completing demolitions and deconstructions, you occasionally find materials that contain asbestos, mold, or that are plagued with water damage. These construction materials usually aren’t salvageable and need to be disposed of in a very specific way.

A lot of homeowners and property managers may not even be aware that there are mold-containing materials on-site. Prior to completing a deconstruction of any kind, it is important to conduct an analysis of what’s being torn down. This will hopefully help to distinguish between materials which can be recycled and what cannot.

Where You Are Most Likely to Find Asbestos, Mold, and Water Damage in a Demolition

Where will I find asbestos in a home or building?

Asbestos is most commonly found in cement mixed with asbestos fibres. These are known as asbestos cement, fibro, low density fiber boards, or AC sheeting. Any building component stamped with ‘AC’ may contain up to 40 percent asbestos so beware. Why asbestos and cement are such a dangerous combination is because as they age, they become dust. This means anyone can breathe it in. Here are some other areas where you find asbestos in a home for demolition.

 Textured coatings.
 Sprayed coatings on walls, beams, and columns.
 The aforementioned asbestos in construction cement used to be applied in finishings, insulation, joinings, masonry, and toppings.
 Older tiles and vinyl floors can sometimes contain asbestos.
 Asbestos insulating boards.
 Older sealants and adhesives – things like sticky tape and duct tape – can contain trace amounts of asbestos.
 There could also be loose asbestos in the ceiling or floor cavity, something which is often discovered in older homes during demolitions and renovations.

Where will I find mold in a demolition?

Mold is a fungi. It develops in places that are typically damp or wet, warm, and surrounded by humid conditions. If you have wet or damp areas in the home, it is likely you have mold that’s growing somewhere. Mold’s relatively small and can be hidden in holes or cracks. Oftentimes, we’re completely unaware of our exposure to mold. The most common areas to find mold is bathrooms, walls, under carpet, and in basements and attics.

What are common mold types you’ll find in a renovation or demolition?

If you’re deconstructing or taking apart a home, there are several types of mold you very well may find.

 Stachybotrys, otherwise known as ‘black mold’ is the most common type of toxic mold discovered in demolitions. Though it resembles black, on further examination, it is actually closer to a green-ish black.
 Cladosporium is a type of mold that is known to cause allergic reactions among human beings. For this reason, cladosporium is discovered quicker than other mold types if someone’s living in the home.
 Penicillium is a type of mold that is blue-ish in color and is considered a food contaminant.
 Alternaria can appear as black or gray mold, is easily discovered on examination, and is known to be the cause of allergic reactions.
 Aspergillus is a type of mold that can appear in a number of different colors. If you have a compromised immune system, aspergillus can cause severe harm.

Where am I likely to find water damage in a demolition?

A demolition can bring to light materials that have been water-damaged. This is most likely to occur in attics and basements. The attic, for example, doesn’t see much traffic. Though attics make a great storage space, they can also be damaged by leaks in the roof which can subsequently cause mold issues. You wouldn’t be none the wise either because we visit so rarely.

Basements and crawl spaces are also prone to water damage, as the lowest point of your property. Hard rains bring water that, if the ground doesn’t soak it up, can find their way in. Foundations can deteriorate and allow water to flow underneath a home. A plumbing leak can also potentially create a leak.

Water damaged materials in a demolition can sometimes be salvaged but not always. Some otherwise recyclable materials can be ruined depending on the condition. If you have any concerns, it’s best to speak with a waste disposal and demolition expert such as Core Mini Bins who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

What is deconstruction?

If you want a demolition to simply knock down a property and clear the site, this is easily accomplished but it is a little dated. These days, more demolition contractors are moving to becoming deconstructionists. What we mean by this is that ‘deconstruction’ is the act of dismantling a building with the singular goal of maximizing the recycling value of materials removed.

Deconstruction is an eco-friendly version of demolitions. The great thing about a deconstruction is that, in some cases, mold, water damaged materials, and asbestos is carefully removed and doesn’t affect the value of the rest of the materials.

Whether you choose a deconstruction or a more classic version of a demolition, the resulting demolition waste will be broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces and then sorted and/or salvaged, or sent to the landfill if they don’t possess any long-term value. There are numerous factors that go into what kind of demolition your project may require, from one’s schedule to the cost of recycling and more.

How do I maximize the recyclability of my demolition materials?

It is estimated that on average 75 percent of waste materials collected from a Toronto demolition’s recyclable. A great way to maximize how much of your demolition you recycle begins with the list below.

 List all materials onsite before the demolition commences, identifying any hazardous materials or materials which you believe are rendered unrecyclable.
 Identify any salvaging or recycling opportunities that may exist before you start the demolition.
 Connect with facilities in the local area that accept the materials you’re going to create through your renovation or demolition.

Connect with a demolition contractor committed to recycling, reusing, and minimizing landfill waste. Core Mini Bins handles everything from demolition to waste disposal, dumpster rentals, junk removal, and more. We have a lot of relationships with facilities in the area, allowing you to minimize what has to be sent to the landfill.

There’s so much that can be reused from a demolition or renovation, including appliances, architectural details, concrete, bricks, carpet, asphalt, aggregates, drywall, electrical components, doors, windows, cabinets, countertops, gates, railings, glass, heating and cooling systems, light fixtures, metals, wood, paper, plastics, and more. Core Mini Bins can help.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/757-where-you-are-most-likely-to-find-asbestos-mold-and-water-damage-in-a-demolition.html

Top Trendy, Exciting New Recycling Tech Making Waves in 2020

Every year, the world pushes forward with tech discoveries, recycling processes, and facilities providing new methods to rehabilitate materials that would otherwise be sent to the landfill. As we’re still early on in 2020, we’ve decided to put together a quick countdown of new, exciting recycling technologies that are at various stages of development. These new, high-tech advancements have the potential to make some big changes to how Canada recycles.

Top Trendy, Exciting New Recycling Tech Making Waves in 2020

Rare Earth elements recycling

We likely face a future where we rely on technology to clean up our messes despite the most obvious approach being to cut down on waste as a whole. Companies like Apple have dedicated significant parts of their R&D to finding how to build electrical components from recyclables. The iPhone 11 impressively used a set of 17 metals recycled for its phones, a feat which experts deemed impossible to do years earlier. The world is changing and with that, products using recycled materials face the brightest future.

Nuclear waste recycling

One of the most impressive recycling tech discoveries in the last six months is a process which recycles nuclear waste. Previously believed to be useless and incredibly dangerous, at the University of Bristol researchers have been able to transform nuclear waste into batteries with capacity to provide power for 1,000s of years. The technology is still in its developing stages, infusing nuclear waste extracted from graphic blocks with wafer-thin diamonds to create a battery which could be used in devices like hearing aids and pacemakers, or even to power spacecraft.

Robotic arm sorter

Various versions of robotic arm sorters are being used at recycling facilities all over the world. Recently built facilities have an even more advanced robotic arm sorter with the capacity to recognize different materials and essentially complete the job without human intervention. Although this sort of automation has some worried in the waste management industry, it demonstrates a lesser cost for facilities to operate which could equate to more facilities in the decades to come.

Apple’s Daisy

Daisy is a material sorting technology invented by Apple. It sorts through more than 200 iPhones every hour, recycling every one for the precious metals utilized in their design. Metals are recyclable because they don’t lose their properties when you recycle them. In an era, where there’s so much electronic waste, there’s a growing interest in metal sorting and material procurement that avoids losing these metals to landfills where they don’t belong.

Li-Cycle lithium battery recycling processes

As an operator, Li-Cycle has come up with a way to recycle between 80 to 100 percent of batteries through mechanize size reduction and material recovery. The process begins by shredding down the packs and battery cells. Then a hydrometallurgical process is used take what’s recyclable after the fact, after a chemical reaction. This process turns hazardous waste into non-hazardous waste. Absolutely spectacular!

Tyton BioSciences clothing recycling

The fashion industry creates a lot of clothing waste on an annual basis but through tech and processes like that at Tyton BioSciences, raw materials like cotton pulp and polyester can be retrieved and made into new fabrics. Using hydrothermal processes involving water, heat and pressure, this is one of the cleanest ways to recycle fabrics in this way and could expand in the years to come to include virtually any clothing type. If this ends up being the case, this would eliminate the trillions of pounds of clothing waste generated in any given year.

Pyrowave plastics recycling

As one will find a lot of recycling tech is targeting the recycling or processing of plastics. The Pyrowave corporation has come up with a way to regenerate non-recyclable by breaking them down into ‘monomers’ to then be made into new resins that are near identical to virgin plastics. For traditional non-recyclable plastics like PP, PE, PS, and others, this is a major breakthrough suggesting that maybe one day in Canada there may be no such thing as non-recyclable plastic.

Flameless oxy-combustion

Originally designed for the oil and gas industry, flameless oxy-combustion could potentially help recycle unsorted plastics. The process of flameless oxy-combustion produces water, energy, and pure carbon dioxide that is not emitted into the atmosphere. For non-recyclable mixed plastics, this may prove to be a way to regain the energy lost in the manufacturing of plastics while converting the material into usable materials.

UBQ

UBQ is another company that’s focused on producing eco-friendly plastics from recycled materials. UBQ uses unsorted household waste to do so however, converting it into eco-sustainable, biodegradable thermoplastics which can be applied in commercial and industrial projects. This is alternative to the petroleum-based plastics that are used today in such applications. By creating natural resources from general items guaranteed to be sent to the landfill, you avoid harmful gases from decomposition, landfill space given away, and more. The company’s process is believed to save 11.7 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents for every 1 kg of plastics produced.

Loop

Loop is an initiative launched by TerraCycle in 2019 that takes reusable containers we typically throw out – things like mayonnaise containers and Tide detergent containers – and gives them back to the manufacturer to be refilled and sold back into the consumer base. This is a great example of a recycling process that reduces what households are putting into the waste stream.

Pyrowave styrofoam recycling

Pyrowave, in addition to recycling plastics, has a chemical process by which to break down styrofoam and remanufacture it into new styrofoam. The polystyrene molecules break down via microwave-like technology, resulting in styrene which can then be chemically processed and returned in polystyrene form. Considering how more than four fifths of the styrofoam we use in Canada ends up in our landfills, this is an ideal solution to cut down on yet another source of waste.

This is just a little insight into where recycling technologies are at in the first half of 2020. Development continues to speed up on creating products made entirely from recyclables in addition to finding ways to recycle what was formerly thought of as impossible to recycle. For the first time in over a century, a true zero waste society here in Canada seems very possible. Core Mini Bins supports sustainable waste disposal practices, focusing on recycle, refuse, and landfill diversion. Don’t hesitate to speak with one of our representatives for waste disposal, dumpster rentals, junk removal, and waste management services.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/756-top-trendy-exciting-new-recycling-tech-making-waves-in-2020.html

What is Dirty Recycling

Recycling in Toronto has made great strides, as an industry, in the past decade. Even so, ‘dirty recycling’ is still very much a prominent theme at sorting facilities across the GTA. If recycling numbers are to rise to where we need them to be in the coming years, dirty recycling as a phenomenon is something that we’re going to have to acknowledge and resolve.

What is Dirty Recycling

What is dirty recycling?

If recycling is to be processed and re-manufactured into recycled materials, it must be sorted, cleaned and void of any contaminants. So let’s say, you take your Toronto blue recycling bin, piling it beautifully with recyclables. If the materials themselves aren’t clean enough to make something from, the entire bin can be disregarded as ‘contaminated’ and is then sent to the landfill. Defining ‘dirty recycling’, it’s all in the name.

What is the goal of recycling?

We think of recycling as a means of helping the planet. The goal of the recycling industry is to make money from waste – that’s it, for better or for worse. If bales of recycling don’t sell, they’re sent to the landfill and are good as garbage even if the material itself isn’t waste.

Why does dirty recycling happen?

Dirty recycling in Toronto is most often unintentional, due to a lack of education on what is recyclable in the GTA. We all live busy lives. Few take the time to review every year what’s recyclable. Instead, we make assumptions. Alternatively, when throwing out recyclables, we don’t always take the time to rinse out glass or plastic containers, or to verify that what we’re tossing is recyclable, and/or check the pizza box for grease stains.

What is the biggest contaminant in recycling?

The top contaminant in recycling is food. Even a little peanut butter inside the container’s a problem. If you put this type of thing into recycling, it will not only affect all the materials in its bin but it could impact tonnes of materials. Some estimates suggest that as much as 26-35% of recyclables contain some sort of contaminant – usually food – in them which reduces the value of what’s being processed.

What is Toronto’s recycling contamination rate?

According to a recent CBC investigation, of all major cities in Canada, Toronto has the worst recycling contamination rate. The city with the best recycling contamination rate is St. John’s, Newfoundland, only 3 percent. Here is a quick list of the top 10 worst city contamination rates.

 10 – St. John’s (3%)
 9 – Vancouver (4.6%)
 8 – Ottawa (5%)
 7 – Regina (11%)
 6 – Winnipeg (13%)
 5 – Calgary (13%)
 4 – Fredericton (14%)
 3 – Halifax (21%)
 2 – Edmonton (24%)
 1 – Toronto (26%)

Should Toronto have separate recycling bins?

One possible strategy to cut down on dirty recycling and increase recycling efficiencies are to utilize multiple bins. In Vancouver, they have a bin for glass separate from other recycling materials. The city also requires citizens to separate paper, cardboard, and containers. Here in Toronto everything goes into one bin. It then gets separated at the waste management processing facility. Single-stream recycling programs like Toronto always boast the highest contamination rates, according to industry experts. It isn’t unreasonable to think in the coming decade, the GTA may have to really examine how its single-bin recycling pick-up impacts efficiencies.

How much does it cost to process dirty recycling?

With dirty recycling, you’re essentially paying twice to process it – the first at the recycling plant and the second as it gets processed at another facility to be put into a landfill. In Toronto, one must also factor in the cost of everything that contaminated recycling comes in contact with which reduces recyclables to low-value waste. Though Toronto’s contract with waste management stakeholders, contamination can result in additional surcharges as well. Some estimates suggest that there’s $1,000,000s to be saved every year in waste collection if the city were to conquer its contamination problem.

Is dirty recycling getting worse?

Dirty recycling has been on the increase these past few years due to countries like China increasing regulation on what waste and recycling they accept. China, for example, now accepts recycled paper with 0.5 percent contamination or less. Before, Canada could send recycled paper with coffee stains and all sorts of expected contaminants to China, and not answer for it. These days, you can’t do that. So this means a piece of paper with a coffee stain unfortunately is now waste and non-recyclable.

Is Vancouver better than Toronto at recycling?

With dirty recycling and cross-contamination rates, Vancouver is so much better than Toronto because of how the city’s structured its recycling program. Cities like Vancouver use strategies such as not accepting glass or styrofoam which break into tiny, tiny pieces that act as contaminants, to increase value on their recyclables.

Is Ontario making recycling more difficult for Toronto?

Toronto receives a lot of people moving in every year – some from other areas of Ontario. The province’s municipalities each carry their own rules of what’s allowed and not allowed in their recycling bins – just like the rest of Canada. This means there’s a percentage of Torontonians probably with the best of intentions who are unknowingly contaminating their recycling by including materials that the GTA does not accept. In Ontario, there’s an initiative known as ‘producer-responsibility’ which makes producers responsible for managing any and all waste generated from their products. This same sort of program is successfully managed in BC. It is expected, in the years to come, the province will adopt a more clear recycling standard.

What is the best way to recycle in Toronto?

The best way to recycle is to reduce, reuse, and replace single-use items that are populating streams of waste recyclable and non-recyclable alike. Instead of accepting single-use takeout containers for restaurant food, bring your own. Buy reusable straws, reusable water bottles, reusable sandwich bags, and more. Never use plastic grocery bags and always shop with a reusable. These simple choices cut down on waste and recycling which will help to keep our Toronto strong, clean, healthy, and efficient.

Waste disposal, management, and sorting mean the world to us at Core Mini Bins. Anything recyclable is recycled and we do our best to keep contamination to a minimum. If you’re a corporate office, small business, homeowner, or construction contractor looking to better control their waste, contact a representative at Core Mini Bins today.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/755-what-is-dirty-recycling.html

See the 11 Top Reasons Why People Use Junk Removal Services in Toronto

7 days a week, 365 days a year, you can find Core Mini Bins somewhere out there in Toronto providing junk removal services or a dumpster rental to someone. We help everyone from university students to seniors dispose of waste and move furniture in easy, affordable trips.

If you’ve never used junk removal services before in the GTA, you’ve probably seen them advertised almost everywhere. A variety of companies offer junk removal – some better than others. Here are the top reasons why people use junk removal services in Toronto!

See the 11 Top Reasons Why People Use Junk Removal Services in Toronto

1 – It’s spring cleaning time!

Every spring, we see an uptick in requests for junk removal. That’s because it’s the season of growth, renewal, and doing away with the things holding you back. Homeowners cleaning out their garages and condo owners clearing away what’s in their storage units, junk removal’s a popular option between the increasingly warmer temperatures of March through June.

2 – Homeowner renovation help

A junk removal service helps remove renovation waste or DIY construction materials no longer needed. If you’ve got a driveway or space with a lot of debris that needs to be gone, the recommendation would be to rent a dumpster. If you’re beyond that point though, a junk removal’s oftentimes at a similar cost and will work just as well at helping you move contents ranging from general demolition waste to pieces of sheds, patios, and more.

3 – You’re downsizing and moving to a new residence

A big reason why we get called for junk removal services is because you’re about to downsize. Moving between condos, apartments, or homes is challenging enough without trying to find transportation for the things you can’t bring with you.

4 – You don’t have the transportation

A lot of us have old furniture taking up space in our homes. We’d love to move them. We just haven’t. There are a wide array of places that can recycle and repurpose old furniture. A junk removal services gives you transportation that’s affordable to get your old furniture out and in ownership of someone who will do something with it!

5 – You just bought some new furniture

If you’ve recently bought a new couch, mattress, bed, or similarly large item, we oftentimes receive the call to take the old furniture out. In the case of older furniture, this can often be donated to local charity organizations or repurposed. Things like couches, mattresses, chairs, kitchen tables, and dressers still have value to them, and there’s no reason to toss them into a landfill.

6 – You don’t want to have to deal with stuff

There’s any number of situations one might find themselves in – such as with old roommates – where you want stuff gone so you don’t have to deal with it. Junk removal is all about easy, affordable ways to get items out of your space and gone. There’s a lot of peace of mind in delegating responsibilities to a junk removal company. For those that want to save themselves time, money, and effort, this is an option not to be forgotten.

7 – You’re a landlord

Toronto is a city filled with landlords needing junk removal services to help clear out furniture, materials, and bulky items left behind by old tenants. We also see many landlords regularly contact junk removal services to help clear out old kitchen appliances – such as fridges, ovens, and dishwashers – as they upgrade and renovate older units. No matter what it is, when you contact a company like Core Mini Bins, we will get down there on time and get working.

8 – You’re a business

Many corporate offices, small businesses shutting down, or companies up and moving to new locations use junk removal services. You also have new offices moving into older spaces with equipment left behind. In these situations, you could end up with literally hundreds of heavy computers, tables, and equipment that needs to be shipped off elsewhere. Trying to arrange it yourself can be tough. Calling a junk removal service, you tap into their connections around Toronto and setting up pick-up, you can move what you don’t want out of there in no time.

9 – You’re a senior or a disabled person

There are a few demographics of Torontonians who don’t have the physical resources to safely remove large bulky furniture and other items. Seniors don’t oftentimes want to chance an injury. Disabled persons often find themselves in the same boat. It is much easier and far less risky to assign the responsibility to a Toronto junk removal professional with experience helping seniors or disabled persons.

10 – To make a charity donation

Large household furnishings, kitchen appliances, and electronics are sought after by charity organizations. They can often fix them up, sell them, and turn a profit on that which evidently is something that gets put back into your local community. Donating what you’re not using to charity is a kind but sometimes difficult move to make. When you need transportation and/or guidance on how to get your items to your favourite charity, a junk removal service can be very helpful.

11 – You need the space

A Marie Condo-style decluttering isn’t such a bad idea. Clean, open living spaces inevitably become packed in with all sorts of furniture and things you just need some place to put. Other times, you just need the space. Maybe you’re building a guest room, a nursery, or a new hobby space. Any time you are clearing out a room, and need the materials in there up and gone, a reliable junk removal services goes a long way in accomplishing that goal.

Why should I hire a junk removal company?

If you want to do something smart with your waste, a reliable junk removal company in Toronto works. At Core Mini Bins, we offer junk removal, dumpsters, mini bin rentals, and more. We collaborate with residential, commercial, and industrial clients all over the GTA. Everyone eventually ends up with waste they need moved. Junk removal is quick, convenient, and responsible. Anything that we can recycle we absolutely will! If you want something donated, share where and we’ll ensure it gets there.

The city only takes bulky furniture at certain times of year. Dropping off garbage at select locations, it’s challenging to arrange. Almost anything, we’ll take in our trucks and get it sorted, handled, and properly managed. Contact a junk removal service in Toronto you know and trust. Call Core Mini Bins today.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/754-see-the-11-top-reasons-why-people-use-junk-removal-services-in-toronto.html

Why Do Construction Sites Need a Dumpster Rental – Keep it Safe and Tidy

Preparing a construction site for maximum efficiency and safety involves having a waste management plan in place. Most of the time, that’s a dumpster rental or mini bin rental. Considered a necessity, a dumpster on a construction site gathers waste, keeping it from remaining on the ground, exposed and dangerous. If you aren’t yet convinced you need a dumpster rental for your construction site, here’s some food for thought.

Why Do Construction Sites Need a Dumpster Rental – Keep it Safe and Tidy

Can I keep costs down by managing my own construction waste?

As an alternative to renting a dumpster, some construction contractors may choose to self-manage waste. This rarely proves to be fruitful, especially in terms of cost. Problems inevitably come about. Disposal and landfill costs may prove to be higher than expected, oftentimes construction sites accumulate more waste than what a project manager may initially predict, transportation arrangements can fall through, and you don’t have the support of a waste management expert there to help coordinate and lead you through these very common issues. Saving on cost may be the motivation however rather quickly, you may find costs exceed estimates.

How does a dumpster rental make a construction project easier?

A dumpster rental establishes a process by which you can collect and dispose of waste. One doesn’t have to organize waste management themselves or arrange for disposal on their own dime. When you select a dumpster rental company to partner with on your construction site, management of your waste gets so much easier. With a rental, they drop it off, pick it up, and everything’s taken care of. As a construction contractor, you get the opportunity to put your concentration towards the project – not on the waste.

Can too much waste interrupt construction?

In extreme cases, without a place to put your construction waste, it will get in the way of proceeding with a project. There’s no excuse to have a mess on your work site. A contractor wouldn’t leave their tools strewn about and so, why would one tolerate the same with waste – hopefully, they wouldn’t. Too much waste – which is any waste that isn’t controlled – will stall workflow and make movement around a site very difficult.

Why are construction site waste management plans so chaotic?

Construction contractors are tasked with building up, not cleaning what’s around them. It’s satisfying watching a project come together but it’s inconvenient not knowing what to do with waste that inevitably gets produced. When a site gets dirty, you need a place to put your garbage. A dumpster organizes some of the chaos, keeping all trash in the same place. A company servicing a construction site with dumpster rentals will come and pick up waste, minimizing the effort you need to put forward to keep a site organized.

Is not having a dumpster on a construction site a safety concern for employees?

One of the biggest reasons to arrange a dumpster rental for a construction site is to minimize hazards and safety risks to employees. A site that isn’t with a waste disposal plan is more likely to encounter accidents. Contractors, employees, and stakeholders should be able to move smoothly around a construction site. Hallways, roadways, and rooms should be clear. Handle obstructions with ease. Eliminate the mountains of waste we create in construction almost instantly. Clear out waste, move it, and keep it in a disposal bin ready to be picked up.

Is it eco-friendly having a dumpster rental on a construction site?

An eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable dumpster rental protects waste and trash from getting into the environment. If you’re worried about wind carrying waste, non-contractors removing waste, or contamination of the environment around them, an eco-friendly move to make is a mini bin or dumpster rental. This won’t be the case on all projects but on some, your created waste can be very environmentally damaging. Proper management of it can save yourself a bad environmental record and potential fines.

Will a dumpster rental increase my productivity on a construction?

We underestimate the difference a clean work site makes to construction efficiency. With a dumpster rental, you can collect waste and keep on schedule. All you have to do is move any waste to the bin. There, it’s collected and – as the saying goes – is out of sight, out of mind. Be it residential, commercial, or industrial work sites, they’re all working on limited time. Comparing projects where there’s no defined waste collection plan to projects where there is, you see the significant impact a dumpster can make.

What kind of dumpster do I need for my construction site?

To rent the right dumpster for your construction, estimate how much waste you will need to manage and the frequency of pick-ups. After you have your estimates, one can choose the correct sized dumpster size for your needs. You may choose to have only one or multiple dumpsters. For most projects, only a single dumpster will be necessary.

Should I get a larger sized dumpster or a smaller sized dumpster for construction?

We always say, if you have to ask yourself the question then you probably need a larger size. Dumpster rentals come with limits on weight and height. Exceed those and costs creep up. Primarily for safety reasons, you don’t want to overfill your dumpster. If you suspect capacity guidelines are going to be exceeded, you will have to make the call on either ordering up to a larger size or going with a second dumpster. Your dumpster rental service may be able to make suggestions on other cost-effective options as well.

Are there limits on what I can put into a dumpster for construction?

Like any sort of waste management system, there’s a guide on what can and cannot be inside. Disposal bins can include any number of landfill-friendly construction and renovation materials however shouldn’t include hazardous materials like paints, automotive chemicals, batteries, pesticides, asbestos, or similar items. If you suspect there are hazardous materials included in whatever waste you are handling, it’s integral to connect with your dumpster rental service. Including hazardous materials or chemicals in along with recyclable materials will cross-contaminate everything in the dumpster and render it useless, in addition to potentially resulting in a clean-up which increase costs.

Construction sites using dumpster rentals are keeping the site, their people, and their immediate surroundings safe. If you haven’t already, book your dumpster rental today with Core Mini Bins.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/753-why-do-construction-sites-need-a-dumpster-rental-keep-it-safe-and-tidy.html

How Can I Do My Own Renovation DIY-Style Without Creating Waste – see here!

At first glance, a construction project or renovation may look tough to complete without the creation of waste. There are plenty of ways to minimize waste, control and manage it, and implement recycling initiatives that ensure any reusable material is sent to the right place.

How Can I Do My Own Renovation DIY-Style Without Creating Waste – see here!

What’s the best way to reduce renovation waste?

If you are concerned about the amount of waste your renovation will produce, turn your waste into recycling and reusables. Connect with local charity organizations that can take more completed, salvageable materials. Set yourself up with a waste disposal company who is committed to doing the right thing with what they collect. Thankfully, in and around the GTA, there’s no shortage of recycling facilities.

Do I need to call a junk removal company for a renovation?

If you’re doing a sizeable renovation and have some furniture or similarly sized items to throw away, a junk removal company is an excellent last resort. If you can’t donate or transport it yourself, a junk removal service will come, pick it up, and handle the disposal. Though it’s not required, if you have furniture to move out, this is one of the fastest ways to do so.

Should I do my own demolition?

If you’re an experienced contractor in home improvement projects, you may choose to do a demolition on your own. Though you can, demolitions are notoriously tricky. They can involve removing or affecting structure elements, such as load-bearing walls, which could equate to property damage if you don’t know what you’re doing. If what you plan to remove from a household is not structural, you can still damage it to the point where it becomes unsalvageable.

Why should I hire a demolition contractor?

Should you choose to go the route of hiring a demolition contractor in Toronto, they have the equipment and knowledge to safely remove elements, donating or recycling the waste created. Hiring a demolition expert to come in and help you dismantle the components you need removed, it’s a great investment if you just want to get to the fun stuff of building.

How much waste does a renovation create?

Whether you’re doing the renovating yourself or you’re using a contractor, a renovation’s going to create waste. It’s inevitable, even with all the strategies and effort made to reduce waste. Creating waste isn’t such a bad thing though in this case. A lot of it can be donated to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, recycled for parts or elements such as metals and wood, and/or can be saved for repurposing in other homes or in other ways.

Should I rent a dumpster for my renovation?

The easiest way to manage home renovation waste is to do so by renting a dumpster. A suitably sized bin gives you a place to put your waste and it makes it easy to dispose of. A dumpster provider will drop off and pick-up more or less on your schedule. There are limits on weight and height in a dumpster but those are easily navigated around with the right pick-up schedule. Another reason why a dumpster rental for a renovation just makes sense is because every DIY renovation risks safety when they don’t have a place to gather the waste created. Make it simple!

What’s the safest way to do construction work on my own?

Prioritizing safety when you’re working on your own, there are several pieces of equipment to ensure are being worn by you or anyone on site.

 If you’re remodeling and renovating yourself, you need to have excellent grip. Durable, quality gloves that allow you to grip, lift, push, pull, and tear away materials are key.
 Next on the list are your eyes and vision. You need to be able to see at all times. Eye protection’s necessary if you’re cutting into wood, to protect from sawdust. If you’re removing building materials, you should also be wearing protecting wear on the eyes. Particulate coming from these materials can dry out, irritate, and/or injure the eyes.
 Lastly, another basic piece of safety is ensuring your breathing and respiratory system remains protected. When you’re painting, sanding, tearing out drywall, or doing anything with chemical fumes, wear a dust mask. A high quality, reusable masks protects your breathing and allows you to continue work without the risk of getting dust in the lungs.

How is indoor air quality impacted in a renovation?

We kick up a lot of air pollutants in a renovation which can find their way into our respiratory systems, throats, airways, and lungs. It’s not just the construction materials which can affect air quality. If you have droppings in attics or crawl spaces, these can cause issues. Other possible sources of indoor air pollution in a renovation include lead-based paints, black mold toxins, particulate given off insulation when it’s disturbed, and any discovery of asbestos.

How can a dumpster rental or waste disposal service help with air quality?

When you have a dumpster set up for your renovation, it keeps any possible contaminants restricted to a single place. Any junk removal or materials removed are kept in this location. Unfortunately, not all contaminants – such as hazardous materials – can be casually thrown into the dumpster. That said, having an area designated for waste is a smart action for any DIY renovation. You’re cutting down on air pollution, safety hazards, and tripping risks as well!

What if I don’t rent a dumpster or rent waste disposal bins for my renovation?

You certainly can get by without renting a dumpster for your renovation however the reality is more time, effort, and sometimes money will have to be committed to controlling waste. You essentially will have to gather the waste yourself, transport it, and also pay any related disposal fees. If you don’t have a truck to gather the waste or are concerned about how high the processing charges could be, a simple solution is to connect with a renovation waste service in Toronto.

If you’re doing a DIY-style renovation, connect with Core Mini Bins. We offer junk removal, dumpster rentals, mini bin rentals, in addition to excavation services, demolition services, and grading. If you need assistance on your job site, let us set you up with a waste management strategy that maximizes efficiencies while minimizing your renovation waste.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/752-how-can-i-do-my-own-renovation-diy-style-without-creating-waste-see-here.html

How to Cut Out and Reduce Plastic Waste in 2020 for Homes and Businesses

Do you want to reduce plastic consumption in your household or place of business – the opportunities to recycle plastic and buy alternatives are readily available. In 2020, for some businesses and homes, they could potentially be seeing their very first plastic-free year. Here’s some different approaches to reducing plastic waste others have taken.

How to Cut Out and Reduce Plastic Waste in 2020 for Homes and Businesses

Can I actually not buy plastic this year?

In all likelihood, you’re going to need to buy some new plastics at some point. Everyone uses plastics, some daily. It’s a part of living in the twenty-first century. Even the most dedicated recyclers may still encounter a decision where plastic is the answer. That said, don’t feel bad. Alternatives exist in most cases and it’s very possible you may be able to avoid buying plastics most of the time.

Why do they use plastic in my coffee cup?

When you buy a cup of coffee, you’re receiving a disposable coffee cup with a plastic lining inside. If you’re a big fan of Tim’s or Starbucks, and even a lot of independent coffee shops, disposable cups are packed with plastic. A natural alternative is to bring your own reusable to purchase coffee with. A lot of coffee shops will accept reusable non-disposable coffee mugs, filling them without hassle.

Why is it important to avoid single-use grocery store plastic bags?

Single-use plastic bags in grocery stores and retail clog recycling machines and are largely unrecyclable. This is why there’s been so much effort to ban this harmful, chemical plastic. Alternatively, you don’t need plastic bags when you go grocery shopping if you bring a cloth-derived bag. You can purchase reusable bags from local grocery stores and retail outlets, or create your own from materials at home.

Can I use glass instead of plastic to store foods – yes you can!

A lot of where plastic comes in handy is in food storage. When we have leftovers, something to freeze, or when we have to store flour, rice, nuts, and similar foods, we go for standard Tupperware-style plastics. Make a change in 2020 by switching to glass or ceramic containers. Numerous options exist out there, in glass and ceramic. As an added bonus, you can even container certain foods like rice at the grocery store – avoiding the plastic it normally takes to transport them home.

How do I avoid plastic packaging?

It’s true. At grocery stores and in retail, there’s a lot of plastic packaging. If you ask, you’ll find something surprising though. A lot of stores will let you bring your own containers to fill up on essentials like produce, meats, and baking supplies. If you ask ahead of time, a lot of stores – independents and corporate chains – will work with you to try to limit your plastic consumption. Although walking the aisles of certain food categories you will see plastics on the shelf, when it comes to meats and produce and fresher products, it’s very possible you can avoid plastics entirely by using your own containers for transport and packing.

Should I stop buying plastic bottles?

There’s a lot of eco-friendly alternatives to buying new Cokes or new bottled water. One example’s Soda Stream which gives anyone the chance to carbonate water at home while adding select syrups. You also don’t need constant replenishment of bottled water, as long as you’re using a filter at home and a reusable water bottle. Save buying 2L bottles of sodas for special occasions. All these efforts can greatly cut down on plastic use in households and businesses alike.

How can I create my own non-plastics at home?

Some things you can’t avoid – like yogurt – which would normally come in plastic. Fortunately, foods like this can be made at home. Yogurt, ice cream, cereal, granola bars, and others are easily recreated at home. You can also come up with a lot of homemade DIY cleaners that circumvent you having to buy chemical-based brands from the store. An added bonus to reducing plastic waste by making foods and cleaners DIY is that the foods are often more nutritious, and the cleaners are less toxic to the environment.

What if I don’t want to give up plastics?

The #1 rule of how to reduce plastic waste is to make sure you’re still comfortable. There are alternatives and choices but making the switch all at once can be very tough. Take it slow, experiment with alternatives to find what works for you, and keep comfortable. Some plastic purchasing you may see as absolutely necessary and that’s ok! This is about reducing consumption, not eliminating plastic altogether. Even if you chop plastic waste down by 40 percent or more, that’s still a big accomplishment. So do remember to go slow and give some time to the process of moving to an increasingly plastic-free lifestyle.

Can you stop eating what comes in plastic packaging?

Here’s the hard part. If you want to go plastic-free in 2020 and reduce waste, you may be pressured to give up certain foods. Chips, snacks, chocolate bars, frozen berries, and frozen veggies all come in plastic packaging. There are sometimes alternatives you can buy in bulk, utilizing your own containers to do the carrying. If you can’t go without, ask yourself what exceptions you’ll make to your no-plastic rule. Like we said earlier, you still want to be comfortable.

What can I do with the plastics you already have?

Don’t throw them out! If you have old plastic bottles or packaging around the house, there are several ways to repurpose them. When you have to buy new plastics, ensure you reuse or repurpose them again. Plastics – for all the flack they get – are very reusable if you’re ready to make a commitment to doing so. Plastic bags and containers you already have can still be purposed going forward. It’s just a case of not buying new ones. The more plastic we buy, the more that’s produced. The weakening of the plastics industry in favor of more recyclable packaging and products is going to happen inevitably. A plastics-free household or business is simply going to aid this process occur faster.

Core Mini Bins is a powerful waste disposal service in Toronto. Having helped households and businesses handle their waste and recycling for over a decade, don’t hesitate to give us a call when you need waste picked up.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/751-how-to-cut-out-and-reduce-plastic-waste-in-2020-for-homes-and-businesses.html

Do We Need Landfills in Ontario – Why They Will Always Be a Necessity

As the current waste culture is very much supporters of a recycling-first waste management approach, it’s not often landfills are spoken about in a positive manner. As stakeholders in the industry ourselves, we will be the first to tell you that landfills are and are likely to always be a necessity.

Do We Need Landfills in Ontario – Why They Will Always Be a Necessity

What is a landfill?

Landfills are where we put waste we cannot process and which cannot be recycled. Virtually anyone can deposit waste at a landfill. It’s not the cleanest of places but reality is that without them, we would have major troubles on our hands. Some waste just isn’t recyclable. For these items or materials, they need some place where they can be stored safely and efficiently.

What do landfills provide?

Landfills regulate waste, allowing us to allocate it in a structured environment. We dig out established areas and designate them as a ‘waste management region’. In a landfill, we can monitor our waste and ensure that it’s being properly processed. If landfills were to not exist, managing waste wouldn’t be possible. As worse as it is to see waste in our water streams and in protected areas, amounts would be increased without landfills. To ignore the importance of landfills is highly irresponsible and only encourages a disorganized system.

What happens to the waste we put in a landfill?

Waste that is given to a landfill adheres to the standards of said facility. Landfills aren’t built to biodegrade and break down trash – they’re storage facilities where waste gets buried. Containments contain little oxygen and almost no moisture. This prevents trash from breaking down rapidly. When you provide a landfill with waste, it gets buried and monitored for any dangerous or toxic side effects of this manner of processing.

Can you imagine a world without landfills?

There are worlds without landfills and we know them. Third world countries do not always have adequate processes for managing their waste. There are several of them who do not have efficient landfill space or who do not use landfills in the traditional sense. The result is waste everywhere. They make for very unkempt, toxic, and dangerous regions, with airborne gases, infected materials entering waterways, and more. We don’t want a Canada without landfills.

Is there a difference between a landfill and a dump?

Yes, there’s a huge gaping difference between landfills and dumps. Landfills are carefully created, monitored, and heavily regulated. Comparatively, dumps aren’t. A dump is an open hole. Anything can be tossed into a dump. Animals swarm in, oftentimes dangerous materials are present in a dump, and there are no environmental protections or regulations guiding dump management.

What are the criticisms of landfills?

There is a lot of negative discussion around landfills despite the fact that landfills themselves are not the issue. Ones that are poorly managed are. Landfills require skilled personnel and management that know how to process, store, and deal with materials. There are still environmental regulations that need to be met at a landfill as well as legal and ethical requirements to fulfill.

What are the different parts of a landfill?

A landfill has many components to ensuring it can function as intended, in securing and monitoring the waste it contains.

 There is a bottom liner constructed from highly durable, puncture-resistant HDPE usually between 30 and 100 mils thick. This is to prevent buried waste from coming in contact with soils and groundwater underneath.
 Cells are built to store waste, ranging in size from a few acres to as large as 20 acres or more. Inside larger cells are commonly smaller ones. Waste is always compacted and shredded prior to being stored in these cells.
 Every landfill cell is designed with a sloping low point connected to a series of perforated pipes, with gravel packs and/or sand placed at the bottom of a cell. This is done to trap liquids which get collected and removed.
 A methane collection system is typically installed with a series of pipes used to collect this gas before it is naturally vented or burned. Landfill gas is approximately 50 percent methane which has the potential to explode or burn. Therefore it is important to ensure adequate methane gas removal processes are incorporated into Ontario landfills.
 There are additional systems in place to handle stormwater drainage, groundwater monitoring, and more.

Are we running out of landfills in Ontario?

Some in the waste management industry will say it’s a myth that we are running out of landfill space in Ontario. To an extent, they’re right. Landfills are used every day, without indication of complete filling any time soon. Despite this evidence, there is only finite space in our landfills. Creating more and more waste management areas is an option but it’s not ideal. We have so much natural beauty and environment in this province. We’ve got to protect our natural resources, and landfills are not the answer long-term to our waste management needs.

How long does a landfill last?

A landfill is not designed to fail. That said, certain specifications must be met. For example, maximum weight must be adhered to. A truck coming to a landfill usually carries in it 12-14 tons, typically coming from around 800 households. Daily, the average Ontario municipal landfill receives about 200 trucks. This means 2,800 tons of trash is being added to landfills every day. Needless to say, monitoring systems aren’t just designed to guard against environmental catastrophes but also to ensure the landfill doesn’t fail – not today and not 100 years down the line.

How can we improve landfills?

If one wants to improve landfills in Toronto or Ontario, we must improve our waste management system. Landfills are a catch-all for waste we can’t do anything else with. If we continue developing recycling processes and create more facilities specializing in material sorting, our landfills will improve accordingly. To this extent, it is not landfills that are the problem – it’s the system. Thus, when you remedy the inefficiencies within the system, you solve the landfill conundrum. It’s akin to blaming your garbage bag for the items and materials it carries.

Are you looking for eco-friendly and environmentally responsible waste disposal services in Toronto? Contact Core Mini Bins today. We can set you up with a dumpster, a mini bin rental, trucks, and waste disposal options with same day delivery included.

Source: https://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/750-do-we-need-landfills-in-ontario-why-they-will-always-be-a-necessity.html