Written By Ayushka T. and Shathana R.
Canada's recycling system may be trash, but it’s not too late to fix it
In Canada, only 9% of the 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste generated each year is recycled, but that is most likely an overestimation. Precisely 2.8 million metric tonnes of waste - the weight of 24 CN Towers - ends up in landfills. Mountains of materials collected in our blue bins are piling up in landfills, being blazed, or contributing to the junk swallowed by oceans that threaten over 700 different species of wildlife. Recycling is in crisis.
But what’s more, is that 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste have been generated across the world since the 1950s and only 9 percent has actually been recycled. To put that into perspective, the blue whale -- the largest mammal on the planet -- weighs 180 metric tons. In relation to landfill mass, the stacks of wasted materials lying in landfills measures up to the weight of almost 42 million blue whales. Not to mention, the majority of the junk that Canada isn’t able to recycle was imported by China. Despite being a key player in producing goods, China drew the line on accepting our waste this year. In fact, in 2017, recycling in Ontario cost municipalities about $250 million. Bear in mind that the funding for this is coming from your pockets.
For this Issue of The TLK Journal, the Student News Association went undercover with the Eco Club to find out how well our own school recycles. During the audit conducted, it was reported that 55% of the blue bins at T.L. Kennedy contained only recyclable materials. Despite the fact that Canada as a whole only recycles 9% plastic waste, it would be fair to say our school is doing better in comparison. However, the rest of the school’s blue bins revealed some interesting data. Specifically, it was found that 10% of the blue bins had minor issues regarding the items disposed of and 35% had major issues. For instance, some blue bins contained food and drink packaging with remnants from the food products, rendering the materials non recyclable as it can contaminate large batches of otherwise valid recyclables.
Currently, at T.L. Kennedy, only paper is accepted in the blue bins. However, the Eco Club has been working to expand the limitation of our recycling system at our school. The group is attempting to change the school policy from accepting only paper to also including plastics. These implementations can help the school to produce less garbage and ensure optimal recycling results. If such a change in the recycling policy is made, it will be necessary to educate the student body about recycling properly.
When it comes down to pointing the finger, you’re not the only ones to blame for the careless use of Ontario’s blue bin. People have only been taught what to recycle, but not how. Recycling can be sophisticated and complicated. There are hundreds of rules and regulations as to how and what to recycle. It can be challenging to stay aware of all the recycling protocols which is why it is important to know before you throw. Although you may not be directly impacted by recycling incorrectly, you can still feel the heat.
In Canada, we drive the worst and most polluting vehicles on the planet and we drink from plastic water bottles even though they cost more than the access to free tap water. Our use of 3 billion plastic bags each year amounts to almost half the human population. However, we still keep our consciences clear because we’ve tossed something into our blue bin. But change starts with you. So what will you do - recycle to feel good or recycle to do good?
"More Than a Drop in the Bucket"
Click on the image above to be directed to the Recycle Right website
The SNA has partnered with the community organization, Recycle Right, to help you do your best to make a difference in the world. We’ve made a pledge to recycle more effectively and we’re hoping that you will join us too. Recycle Right has crafted a simple guide for you to follow when recycling which is a condensed version of all the restrictions you should be aware of when recycling. It will be directed to our website which contains more detailed information about our mission. A link to Recycle Right’s guide is conveniently located on the homepage of our website and we’re hoping that you will make a pledge on our website, all you have to do is input your name and email, and your pledge will be submitted to Recycle Right. Please, pledge today for a better tomorrow.
Works Cited
“Plastic Facts.” Waste Reduction Week in Canada, wrwcanada.com/en/get-involved/resources/plastics-themed-resources/plastic-facts.
“Why Your Recycling May Not Actually Get Recycled | CBC Radio.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 2 May 2019, www.cbc.ca/radio/thesundayedition/the-sunday-edition-for-april-21-2019-1.5099057/why-your-recycling-may-not-actually-get-recycled-1.5099103.
City of Toronto. “What Goes in the Blue Bin?” City of Toronto, 6 Aug. 2019, www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recycling-organics-garbage/houses/what-goes-in-my-blue-bin/.
Coyne, John. “RPRA Filing on 2018 Program Performance .” Stewardship Ontario, 2018, stewardshipontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/StewardshipOntario_RPRA-Filing-on-2018-Program-Performance_EN_April2019_int.pdf.
Lewis, Jeff, and Molly Hayes. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejected: Why Canada’s Recycling Industry Is in Crisis Mode.” The Globe and Mail, 14 May 2019, www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-wish-cycling-canadas-recycling-industry-in-crisis-mode/.
Saxe, Dianne. “Ontario’s Fresh Start on Waste Diversion and the Circular Economy.” Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, 2017, docs.assets.eco.on.ca/reports/special-reports/2017/Beyond-the-Blue-Box.pdf.