During Waste Reduction Week is the perfect time to think about ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The goal is to protect our environment and decrease waste going to landfills.
We're re-using waste materials too. We’re using shredded passenger tires instead of gravel to collect the liquid in garbage at the Brady Road Resource Management Facility.
We started trying this in 2017. Now we're using it for a larger project for the first time.
“By re-using tires, we’re re-using waste materials but also saving money because they cost less than the gravel we usually use," said Ash Raichura, Project Manager with Solid Waste Services.
By using shredded tires instead of gravel, we’re saving about $375,000 on this project.
How you can reduce waste
Waste Reduction Week isn’t the only time you should think about what you toss out. Here are a few tips you can consider all year long:
- Think before you buy or throw it out: Buy less, reuse or fix what you have, and recycle when you can.
- Clothing: Buy good quality clothes that last, shop second-hand, fix old clothes, and donate ones you don't want anymore.
- Electronics: Purchase refurbished electronics and fix old ones if possible. If your electronics still work, donate them. If not, recycle them at a 4R Winnipeg Depot.
- Plastics: Use reusable items and choose less packaging. Reuse plastic bags or take them to stores that recycle.
- Food waste: Only buy what you’ll eat, save leftovers, and compost scraps at our food waste drop off stations.
- Hazardous chemicals: Use them up fully or drop them off safely at a 4R Winnipeg Depot in their original container.