Residential Waste Tips to Help You, the Garbageman, and the Environment

Do you want to make life a little easier for the garbage man? Do you want to ensure you’re actually throwing out waste properly instead of chucking it all into one bin and hoping for the best? Do you want to make sure you’re disposing of waste that won’t further impact the environment?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s worth taking a little time to learn about the proper way to dispose of various kinds of waste. There’s the common waste you might produce in the kitchen, at school, or at the office that seems straightforward, but waste disposal is actually a matter of science, chemistry, and safety.

Where you chuck your trash depends on the item’s component materials, how they were altered during production, and the purpose the item served before being disposed of. These distinctions help you discern whether to trash the item, recycle it, put it in organic posting, take it to a waste site, or whether to have the city remove it from your property.

Here’s a breakdown of each waste removal option and how to properly bundle your items for it:

Waste

Sometimes you have to throw it out. Here are some tips on how to keep it clean and easy for all involved:

Don’t throw out what you don’t have to (in other words, recycle). This might seem obvious, but it bears mentioning right at the top of the list. Take a second look at what you throw in the trash. It may just be recyclable.
Reduce food waste. Most of what people buy at the grocery store ends up in the trash. The statistics for food waste are off the charts. Buy only what you truly think you’ll need, eat it before it’s expiry date, and try to incorporate leftovers into new dishes. You’ll be reducing your environmental impact significantly.
Drill holes in the bottom of your outdoor garbage containers. This allows rainwater and garbage juices to drain out easily, making the trash can much lighter for the garbageman while preventing the foul odour that develops from stewing liquids.
Add critter-proof locks. Squirrels, rats, and raccoons love garbage. In urban areas, raccoons are notorious for getting into trash cans, having a snack, and leaving a mess. Make sure your trash can lid is clamped down.
Clean out your trash cans after garbage day with a hose. It only takes a moment to do and keeps the inside of your cans clean and tidy, a welcome surprise for a garbageman who is used to filthy waste receptacles.

Recycling

Recycling is amazing for the environment. Many items we buy are made of or in part by recycled materials. To ensure recycling plants continue to receive usable, high-quality materials, here are some guidelines:

Wash out metal cans and containers that once held food. If there are food particles still attached, the recycling plant must throw the item out.
Flatten cardboard boxes. This will give you more space in your recycling bin.
Put old newspapers, envelopes, and all spare bits of paper into the recycling bin
Buy a good takeaway mug for your coffee. This will greatly reduce the waste of buying coffee in a disposable cup on a daily basis.
Recycle your electronics by bringing old phones, computers, and gadgets to retail locations that have receiving bins. Many stores accept non-functional devices because their raw materials still hold value.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is intimidating to most people who are unfamiliar with safety practices and protocols. Here’s how to handle hazardous waste correctly:

Hazardous waste counts as anything that could be harmful to you or the environment, such as liquids, gases, or sludge
Aim to prevent hazardous waste in the first place. Identify where it’s coming from and put a stop to it before disposing of the already existing waste.
Sign up for hazardous waste collection if it’s offered by your municipality
Put hazardous waste in the garbage as opposed to flushing it down the drain, the toilet, or on the ground. The chemicals will leach into the environment and damage local ecosystems.

Residential Yard Waste

Doing work around the home results in some heavy-duty waste. Tree boughs, hedge clippings, wood planks from a deck, or bricks from a home addition all need to be gotten rid of.

Check with your municipality to see what your local garbage service will pick up
Enlist a waste removal company to take away what is not encompassed by your regular garbage service
Compost what you can; the organic matter will break down on its own and will provide your garden with healthy fresh soil

Proper waste disposal is essential to being a good neighbour, citizen, and steward of the earth. Taking the time to learn about proper waste classification and disposal will greatly reduce your environmental impact, help out your hard-working garbage service, and educate you as to just how much waste your household is going through. It’s not difficult to become a good waste wizard, and the benefits extend far beyond what you can see before you.

If you are interested in renting a premium disposal bin for your residential or commercial needs, contact Gorilla Bins at 877-700-2467. We are located in Brampton, Caledon, and Etobicoke and serve most of the GTA. Visit our website contact form here to make a detailed inquiry. We go bananas over junk and can’t wait to help solve your waste disposal problems!