Waste Topics

Waste Management

Waste can take many forms and is something that each and every household and business in the world creates. Thus, waste management at all scales is needed to reduce adverse effects of waste on the environment and our health. Waste management is the process of treating solid wastes from its inception to the final disposal of products and substances in a safe and efficient manner.  This process includes collection, transport, treatment and disposal of waste. It is about looking at different solutions for recycling waste and how waste can be used as a valuable resource.  In addition, waste management involves monitoring and following a legal and regulatory framework.   

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Reduction and Reuse

Waste reduction is the most effective strategy, which is at the top of the waste management pyramid. As the cost of waste management programs in First Nations communities  is often very high and the amount of land is limited, the main goal is definitely to produce less waste. To reduce the amount of generated waste, First Nations can develop bans, procurement policies, education programs, etc.  Additionally, both  recyclables and non-recyclables can be reused and repaired through a wide variety of programs on reserve. This programs may include different repair businesses, community swaps, reuse centres, and waste-to-energy projects. Upcycling, which is a process of converting waste materials into something useful and beautiful, is also an excellent reuse solution. What can be upcycled? Pretty much anything: bottles, cans, newspapers, old clothes, and many other items that are often thrown away. 

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Recycling

There is concern that Canada's landfills are reaching capacity and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find sites for new ones. Landfills also produce approximately 25% of Canada's methane emissions (methane is a powerful greenhouse gas). Recycling can help reduce the amount of waste entering landfills and help conserve natural resources. Many factors influence the willingness to recycle, including social norms, promotional and information campaigns, and barriers to recycling such as collection method, distance to drop-off location and required sorting of materials.

​In Canada, hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials are defined as those with properties such as flammability, corrosiveness, or inherent toxicity. These wastes and materials can pose a variety of risks, from skin damage on contact to the contamination of ground water, surface water, and soil as a result of leaching into the environment.  Hazardous wastes and recyclables come from many sources, including material left over from industrial activities such as oil refining, chemical manufacturing and metal processing. Even some everyday household products such as used batteries, computers and other electronic equipment, cleansers, paints, and pesticides may be hazardous when improperly discarded or recycled.

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Composting

Composting is a process that occurs naturally in all ecosystems.  This natural process of material decomposing can be harnessed to boost your own garden. Compost is a cheap, natural mulch that improves soil structure, texture, and aeration, while stimulating healthy root development in plants. By adding compost, the organic matter provides food for microorganisms, which produces nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, so few if any soil amendments will need to be added. Instead of throwing away compostable materials in landfill sites, consider starting to compost instead! 

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