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FeedThe region-wide rollout
Plastic bags to be replaced with compostable ones
VITO SPATAFORA-Ward 1 Councillor
IN 2008, YORK Region implemented a region- wide green bin program to separate organic waste from the traditional garbage stream. The program has been extremely successful by diverting over 21 per cent of waste from a landfill.
To maximize public acceptance of the green bin program, the region allowed the use of plastic liners to reduce the “yuck” factor and address health and safety concerns. Plastic bags, however, contributed to a higher rate of non-degradable or residue-waste consisting of film plastic. Last year, the total volume of organic waste contained 15 per cent film plastic. This plastic prevented some organic materials from composting completely, which had to be diverted to landfill sites.
Other municipalities within the GTA (e.g., Durham, Peel, Halton) have placed mandatory bans on the use of plastic liners. These municipalities replaced plastic bags with certified compostable bags or paper bags that will fully decompose into compost.
It is important to note that not all biodegradable bags are the same. Some biodegradable bags may not fully decompose during the composting process. Residents should only use certified compostable plastic or paper bags.
Council approved a trial Region-wide rollout program to replace plastic bags with certified compostable bags by late summer. The region plans to deliver educational materials and sample bags to each household. The cost of the trial program is estimated to range from $100,000 to $150,000.
If successful, the program should improve the region’s waste diversion rate toward the provincial objective of 65 per cent by 2010. To get more information, go to the region’s website, at www.york.ca, or contact the environmental service at 1-877- 464-9675.
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