Disposing of unused items properly and safely is a crucial part of our efforts to protect the environment. However, it’s important to understand that not all products can be disposed of at every recycling location. Illegal dumping of non-accepted products can create significant risks for the recycling location staff and the public. Read more to understand how improper disposal can negatively impact the environment and community.
The issues at hand
Dropping off non-accepted products at recycling locations poses several challenges. For example, when unknown chemicals mix with unlabeled paint or other household hazardous waste materials, the reactions can be unpredictable and may cause fires or explosions. This not only endangers the safety of recycling location staff but also puts nearby residents at risk!
In addition, handling non-accepted products significantly increases the workload for recycling locations. Staff must spend additional time and resources sorting and safely disposing of these items, which disrupts regular operations and reduces the efficiency of the recycling process. This puts financial strain on the not-for-profit organizations that fund the recycling operations.
Most importantly, recycling staff deserve a safe workplace where they can perform their duties without added stress and worry. These dedicated workers help protect your local environment, so please support their safety by saying no to illegal dumping.
At every recycling location, there is dedicated staff who care. Let’s show we care, too, by avoiding illegal dumping.
Another critical issue arises when non-accepted products are dropped off at recycling locations after hours. Without staff present to review the materials, leftover chemicals from illegal dumping may get knocked over by animals, weather, or people and can spill onto the ground overnight. These chemicals can then seep into the local soil and water, causing long-term damage to the environment, local ecosystems, and our waterways.
What you can do to help reduce illegal dumping activities
To ensure the safety of recycling locations and the public, it’s essential to only drop off accepted products at designated recycling locations. Many locations have websites and provide flyers and brochures as guides to help you identify what products are accepted and what not. Please follow the guides. If you are unsure, give the recycling location a call before dropping off to confirm with them about the items.
If the local recycling locations don’t accept the items you want to dispose of, look for alternative disposal options. Many regions in Canada have specific facilities or programs for hazardous waste disposal, and you can contact them directly.
It’s beneficial to understand the consequences of illegal dumping at recycling locations and share them with your family and friends to increase the awareness. There are signages at recycling locations stating that abandoning not accepted materials is illegal and can result in fines of over $500. Many recycling locations have installed cameras on their property to monitor the area and illegal dumping activities to ensure the safety of their property and their employees.
Help keep your local recycling staff safe by avoiding illegal dumping.
By properly disposing of paint and household hazardous waste, you can help support the safety of recycling location staff and maintain the efficiency of your local recycling locations.
Do not tolerate illegal dumping that happens in your neighbourhoods. Report suspicious activity in Canada by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. We thank you for keeping your local environment safe and clean.
