EDITOR:
Waste Watch's definition of toothpaste, shampoo, etc. as hazardous waste reminds me of other Waste Watch policies and procedures which are less than optimal. One of these is Waste Watch’s onerous requirements for sorting -- more tedious than in any other jurisdiction I have ever seen.
In an era when many areas are going to co-mingled recycling, and
increasing compliance rates substantially by doing so, we have three
separate categories for paper products alone. Special bags rather than
reusable blue bins for recyclables, different bags for trash,
twine-bundled cardboard, bags for newspaper (but not boxboard or
cardboard), etc. – all are costs and impositions on the residents of the
Province. Once a month pickup of recyclables exacerbates the problem,
demanding significant storage space for those who are conscientious
about recycling.
Reduction of waste and successful re-use of as much resource as possible is an essential goal if we are to continue to live together and not choke ourselves in our own debris. To succeed we need a program which is single mindedly focused on that goal, rather than on what is convenient and money making for this private enterprise monopoly.
Harry Smith,
Bonshaw
