If there is one constant, it is that everything at some point changes. In our environmentally sensitive world, changes to waste collection seem to change most frequently. Just changing the pickup day for garbage or recycling is enough to boost the aggravation meter, let alone scaling back service.
With 15 years in the junk removal industry, Just Junk has a few ideas to help you better manage your own waste and limit the impact of any collection changes:
Composting
Composting isn’t as hard as you may think. Calgary has the green bins, and there are other ways to compost right in your own backyard.
If you’re into gardening, compost — which is typically green food waste such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, peels, etc. — is a valuable aid to soil nutrition. Adding compost to soil can be a simple step to better gardening, as well as lowering the waste your home produces.
Some cat litters, as well, can be composted this way, although be sure to check first, as some clay cat litters may not compost as well as more natural, nut-based litters.
Large Item Pickups
Large items such as furniture, mattress, appliances or electronics are not picked up by the City of Calgary. This may cause some trouble for those who may not be able to move these large items themselves or have access to vehicles to dispose of them.
Metal yards are still available to take these items, but planning and preparing are crucial to getting them there. If you’re in an apartment, organize a removal day with other residents so that everyone can take part in removing something they need and help is available.
Or, if you’re in a home and an emergency strikes, a quick call to a donation centre or removal company can usually be there within the same day to help.
Rules of Recycling
Recyclables are under extreme scrutiny. In Calgary, extensive recycling changes, while time-consuming to the average person, do offer large-scale benefits. Organizing your home around recycling regulations will make things easier. Sort as you go instead of in a rush on the date of the pickup to help ease the transition into following these more stringent rules.
Donate More Than You Think
The best option for donating those old jeans and shirts isn’t to just throw them away. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity are happy to accept donations of clothes in good or gently used condition.
Textiles can be donated to these organizations to be repurposed into new clothes down the line or donated as gently used to those in need. Some organizations even offer pickups on a regular basis. Rather than simply taking up space in the dump, a pair of jeans or a coat with one unsightly rip can easily be repurposed through these organizations, reducing your household’s waste totals significantly through the year.
For more information on garbage collection in the City of Calgary go to www.calgary.ca and follow the links.
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