How to Set Up Your Home Recycling & Reduce Waste in Kitchener-Waterloo
Looking to make your home a bit greener? Let's dive into setting up an efficient recycling system and explore some nifty ways to cut down on waste in our community.
Setting Up Your Home Recycling Station
1. Understand the Local Recycling Program
In Kitchener-Waterloo, our recycling system uses a two-box sorting method:
Box 1: Containers Only
This is for items like glass bottles, jars, metal cans, cartons, and certain plastics. Ensure they're empty and rinsed before tossing them in.Box 2: Paper Products and Plastic Bags
This box is for newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and acceptable plastic bags. Remember to bundle plastic bags together.
For a detailed list of what goes where, check out the Region of Waterloo's Blue Box Guidelines.
2. Choose the Right Bins
Grab yourself two sturdy blue boxes:
Containers Only Box: A larger bin (68 to 91 liters) for your bottles and cans.
Paper Products and Plastic Bags Box: A smaller bin (45 to 60 liters) for paper items and plastic bags.
You can snag these at local retailers. Just make sure they meet the region's size and design specs.
3. Pick a Convenient Spot
Place your recycling bins in a handy spot, like the kitchen or garage. The easier they are to access, the more likely everyone will use them.
4. Label Clearly
Slap some labels on those bins to avoid mix-ups. Clear labels help everyone sort items correctly.
5. Stay in the Loop
Keep tabs on collection schedules and any changes. The Waste Whiz App is a handy tool for reminders and sorting tips.
Tips to Reduce Waste at Home
Beyond recycling, let's tackle waste reduction:
Embrace Reusables: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers. It cuts down on single-use plastics.
Shop Smart: Buy in bulk and choose products with minimal packaging. Less packaging means less waste.
Get Composting: Use the green bin for organic waste like food scraps and yard waste. It reduces landfill load and produces nutrient-rich compost.
Donate Unwanted Items: Got stuff you don't need? Donate it! It keeps items out of the trash and helps others.
DIY Cleaning Supplies: Make your own cleaners with natural ingredients. It's eco-friendly and reduces plastic bottle waste.
By setting up a user-friendly recycling station and adopting these waste-reducing habits, we can all play a part in keeping Kitchener-Waterloo clean and green.