Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some easy ways to start to separate:
Keep an ALL PAPER basket handy. Aside from confidential material, all paper products can go into this receptacle. Store a a clear plastic bag until about 30 lbs. Put out for the Captain’s pick-up. Your paper will contribute to the environment rather than destroy it. No carbons. Rather it becomes another food of the compost cycle.
Separate ALL glass containers.
When collected in a small tote that becomes 30lbs, put out for the Captain’s pick – up. It will be recycled Glass is a wonderful resource for artisans and industry.
If allowed into the incineration process local garbage is assigned to, glass becomes 1) a safety hazard and 2) a wasted resource that does not belong.
Mixed recycling #’s 3, 6 & 7 are fast becoming a new recycling resource.
On your food packaging, personal care products, home renovations containers, check to see what numbers they represent. Separate these materials at the source, your own backyard, the Captain will get it where it needs to go. You are encouraged to clean and use a blue or clear bag for all mixed recycling before pick-up.
Metal and batteries do not belong in your garbage. Even screws, foil and bottle caps.
Keep a handy plastic container with a lid (margarine containers are great) put all your metal and household batteries into your container. When full, pit out with your Captain’s pick-up. These items will get recycled.
General Questions
We are capable of recycling 70% of the garbage that goes to landfill. Check stats for Europe – Our statistics reflect we recycle about 30%.
There are many discussions about the truth.
See link: www.zerowastevancouver.blogspot.com
Blue box collection is only free for home-based businesses, only for residences. Even with a free service, many residences do not recycle, use the blue box only occasionally, and dispose of everything in a bag.
Most businesses bag and dispose in dumpsters (including blue box items). Dumpster transport to dump will only get one $50. Fine,per visit, and only if banned items are visible. Most garbage is bagged and not visible.
Most businesses would benefit from the customer perception “We recycle” and a way to prove it. We can show them how (Greenerzone.com) and give out stickers of those businesses who are confirmed “green”.
BLUE BOX – 1, 2, 4 & 5 MIXED RECYCLING - 3, 6, 7
Recycling Hotline at 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
*A great resource
We share everything including the air we breathe – David Suzuki has made his life’s mission to explain this. There are hundreds of hours of storytelling and proof of this – check out his CBC programs
If you’re not part of the SOLUTION, you are the PROBLEM
40% of the coral in our ocean is dead, why? POLLUTION
Where does pollution come from? US
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the "total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event or product.
An individual's carbon footprint is the direct effect one's actions and lifestyle have on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. This is usually estimated by using a carbon calculator.
Click on the calculator below and you'll be taken to a website where you can calculate your carbon footprint.
www.carbonfootprint.com
There are many calculators and apps are becoming popular. It is as simple as a personal decision we all can make to walk, take the bus, cycle.
HUMAN transport – air traffic, commodity trucking, commute daily to and from work, incineration of plastic and ….and …and
*business and public negligence on a large scale
Check out the link below
www.metrovancouver.org
One of the new ways the municipalities are reducing their costs is to transfer current disposal costs on to businesses. This is done with the new stewardship program:
What types of materials can be recycled ?
Appliances (Fridge, Stove, Microwave) - Use a 3rd Party Service or Call Captain Recycling
Automobile Parts
Batteries - Must be recycled
Batteries - Car
Books - Can be Recycled
Couches - Use a 3rd Party Service or Call Captain Recycling
Cardboard
Dryers - Use a 3rd Party Service or Call Captain
Dishwashers - Use a 3rd Party Service or Call Captain
Dog waste - It is illegal to put animal waste into the garbage