Science, Technology, Energy and Mines
To Reduce Waste
Recycling is something that many Manitobans are already doing. By recycling, you take positive steps toward protecting our earth, toward living a sustainable lifestyle and toward reducing the wasteful consumption habits that add to greenhouse gas emissions. Studies have shown that if you stop throwing everything into the garbage and begin recycling, you can cut the amount of household waste you produce by 40 per cent!
- In 2006, recyclable materials added $6.5 million to the Manitoba economy.
- Making goods from recycled material consumes 70 per cent less energy than from raw materials.
- A stack of newspapers one metre high equals one tree.
- In 2005/2006, Manitobans saved over 600,000 trees by recycling over 34,000 tonnes of newspaper.
- In Manitoba, recycled glass is used to build roads and sidewalks.
- Manitobans use about 1,400 tonnes of aluminum cans every year, but we only recycle about 400 tonnes.
- Producing a can from recycled aluminum takes only 5 per cent of the energy required to make a new can from raw materials.
- We use 5,000 tonnes of steel/tin cans each year, but only recycle 1,500 tonnes.
- The more paper, plastic, and metal you recycle means fewer trips to take the trash out, and more recyclables diverted from the landfill.
There are many other steps that you can take to reduce the amount of waste you produce.
- Look at the amount of mail you receive each day and determine what is needed and what isn't. If you have access to a computer with an internet connection, consider getting some of this information electronically. Many bills you receive regularly can now be paid by touchtone phone or directly from your account at a financial institution.
- If you don't like receiving flyers, attach a sign to your mailbox advising delivery personnel of this fact.
- The more paper, plastic, and metal you recycle means fewer trips to take the trash out, and more recyclables diverted from the landfill. Contact your local municipal office for more information.
- Also ask your municipality about your local hazardous waste and used oil depots. Safely disposing of these dangerous wastes can protect you, the water and the land.
- Consider composting your organic waste. Organics in landfills break down anaerobically, producing methane gas. Methane is 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a contributor to climate change. Also, transporting compostable wastes to landfill produces air pollution.
- Be an informed consumer!
Predictions and analysis on this page were excerpted from:
Manitoba Product Stewardship Corporation (MPSC)
Additional Resources
RCM offers FREE classroom presentations for public schools in Winnipeg, through the Environmental Speakers Bureau (ESB). The presentations cover recycling, composting and other resource conservation topics. Teachers outside Winnipeg can order a resource kit containing presentation scripts, backgrounders, activity ideas and reproducible handouts.
Green Manitoba
Manitoba Conservation Pollution Prevention Branch
Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention (WRAPP) Fund
Resource Conservation Manitoba
City of Winnipeg Blue Box Recycling
City of Winnipeg Household Hazardous Waste
Recycling in Canada - Natural Resources Canada
Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corporation (MARRC)
Manitoba Association of Regional Recyclers (MARR)
Tire Stewardship Manitoba
