Nanaimo's Garbage Increases At Christmas Time

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GIVE THE GIFT OF LESS WASTE 
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The holidays are an uplifting time but also one with a heavy environmental impact.

“We collect more garbage in the two weeks after Christmas than at any other time of the year so maximizing food waste collection and curbside and other local recycling opportunities is more important than ever,” says Gary Franssen, Manager of Sanitation and Recycling.

Choose to make memories instead of waste by taking family and friends to a concert, skating or holiday events. Other ideas are donating to a charity or environmental organization in the person’s name, giving recreation passes, transit tickets or buying locally produced goods that sustain the region’s economy.

Gift wrapping paper has low recycling value because of its low fibre and high ink content. Save time and money by using reusable gift bags that can easily be stored for next season or wrap a gift in a gift and save ribbon and bows for reuse.

Much of the waste produced during the holidays is recyclable or compostable. Before throwing it out, see if paper, plastic or metal containers are accepted at the curbside or local recycling depots. Use the green bin program to gobble up turkey trimmings, bones and other food waste, along with paper plates, cups, waxed paper, waxed cardboard, paper food takeout containers, milk and ice cream cartons, and paper cups.

Wondering what to do with Styrofoam packaging? Take it to the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) at 2477 Kenworth Road for recycling. The NRE also accepts lights, light fixtures, toys, computers, small and large appliances, TVs, cameras, stereos, and household batteries for recycling and used household goods for reuse at its Community Market. For more information call 250-758-7777.

Check the RDN Recycling Directory at www.rdn.bc.ca for local recycling, reuse and disposal locations or call the RCBC Recycling Hotline at 1-800-667-4321.