August 4, 2021: The 4 R's Part 2

REPAIR (Repurpose) Advertise or look for ads - free, old appliances wanted to repair or for parts. Never put in garbage.

  • Electronics - many organizations (for example last summer, Wesley-Knox) will collect used electronics for recycling as a fund raiser venture.

  • Make an effort to repair a product and extend its life cycle.

  • Invest in sustainable fashion, buy fewer quality items and repair. Shop in thrift stores or coordinate clothing swaps among friends.

  • Upcycling is a creative reuse of unwanted products into new products perceived to be greater quality ie. artistic value or environmental value (such as material for quilts)

  • Support Eco-friendly companies .. sell or donate good used clothing items

 DID YOU KNOW - London has been piloting an expanded blue box programme, called Hefty Bag. The Hefty Bag Pilot Programme (phase 1) has included approximately 13, 000 households across nine communities throughout the city, allowing some neighbourhoods the hefty bag pick up at the curb.

The Hefty Bag Programme takes plastics NOT taken in the regular blue boxes. A long list of these items is provided to participants. Only these plastic items are to be placed in the orange hefty bags.

For this pilot programme, the city is working with a variety of end market businesses who are testing new ideas and applications for these materials like plastic wood and building materials. If contaminants are mixed in with these materials, there are extra costs to remove and if too many contaminants, the material become unusable and ultimately heading to landfill and defeating the entire plan.

    *Phase 2 runs August 2021 - March 2022

    *For more info and list of plastics accepted go to  https://getinvolved.london.ca/

 RECYCLE (less)  When you can't  - Reduce, Reuse or Repair

Usually, number one on everyone's list but should be last. ..After all else is done... the last R should be to RECYCLE

  • Follow the City's guidelines - Separate, Wash/ Rinse

  • It is estimated that 25% of waste in blue boxes is rendered non recyclable by contamination either by food waste or other materials such as paper covered in food residue or shards of glass embedded in it and cannot be recycled.

  • Precycle... buy items that you know that you can recycle.

  • Consider purchasing products made out of recycled materials.

  • Buy non toxic products and avoid hazardous material, if possible. They are difficult to recycle. London operates a household waste depot at Manning Drive (no charge) for disposal of hazardous waste and includes any material that is corrosive, flammable, ignitable or reactive such as paints, oil containers, batteries, etc.

  • An informative free app to download..... Recycle Coach

 ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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