in the recycling program and that’s not so good,” said
Cameron Wright, manager of waste diversion for the Essex
Windsor Solid Waste Authority. “Generally, we are considered
low across the province.”
Another issue the authority is facing is
cross-contamination from the people who do recycle. Heather
Taylor is the programming assistant for special projects for
EWSWA and said she thinks the confusion is a result of poor
education.
“Some of the things we’re finding in the boxes when we
do waste audits shouldn’t be in there. They think things like
flower pots, frying pans, plastic cutlery, Ziploc bags, styrofoam
and Tim Hortons coffee lids are recyclable, but they’re not,”
said Taylor. “I think once they’re educated on what can and
can’t go in the boxes… our numbers will improve.”
The authority will be working very hard this summer to make
sure more recycling happens in more public spaces and
special events. They hope more convenient recycling bins in
these places will encourage more residents to participate in
the program. Wright also suggests making recycling more
convenient within your home by placing a smaller recycle bin
in the areas of your home that are further from your big bins.
“Recyclables are a commodity like any other commodity,”
said Wright. “People have to realize that we in turn have to
market this stuff so we need it to be separated and plentiful.”
EWSWA will be hosting their next big event on June 8 at
the Public Drop Off Depot in Windsor. The open house will
feature activities for all ages including tours, a chance for kids
to sit in the trucks and staff on site to answer questions. For
more information visit www.ewswa.org.
Reducing, reusing and recycling are things we can all do more
of if we simply take the time to try. They are choices we can
feel good about making while at the same time helping others,
preserving our planet and saving money. The next time you
want to throw something in the garbage, stop and think about
it first. As Mother Theresa once said, “I alone cannot change
the world,” but we can certainly try to make it a better one.
Whispering Willow
Garden Designs
Upcycled Vintage Glass Art
No Two Are The Same
Pieces available for viewing by appointment
or daily at:
From the Heart 1356 Ottawa St.
Country Bliss, 233 Dalhousie, Amherstburg
Flowers
~
Bird & Butterfly
Feeders
Come see the entire assortment at
~
The Whispering Willow Yard/Art Sale
Birdbaths
on Saturday, June 14 & Sunday, June 15, 10 am – 6pm
or Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29, 10 am – 6 pm
~
1490 Golfview Dr. LaSalle
Totems
Call 519-734-8614
or email [email protected]
for appointment or information.