Ottawa’s Waste Crisis
According to Waste Watch Ottawa, the country’s capital has been recently reported to have the worst percentage of garbage and recycling waste in the whole province. At a diversion rate of 42.5 percent, Ottawa has fallen more than 5 percent below the average of 47.7 percent. This is quite alarming, especially given the fact that it has dropped even further than the 45 percent that was reported back in 2014.
Research has shown that Ottawa has spent less money on education for recycling than any other municipality in Ontario. In fact, after seven years, only 51 percent of residents are using their green bins. And what’s even more alarming is that a lot of recycling material is still being found in garbage bags and bins. Glass material seems to be the only recyclable that is hitting its disposal target while other materials such as paper, plastics and organic waste and still falling very much behind.
Not too long ago the city was dealing with a promising waste removal company, Plasco who seemed to have all the right answers. They had plans to utilize the waste being brought in by turning the waste into material that could have been used in construction. However, due to unforeseen financial circumstances the city refused business with Plasco after they had filed for creditor protection.
The city now has employed Orgaworld, who started with the organic green waste bin problem. The problem is that they have now switched over to a bi-weekly pick-up and residents have trouble keeping this garbage for two weeks. This being one of the main reasons why recyclables are being found in normal garbage bins.
Even though politicians seem to be satisfied with the recycling program and waste disposal rates, Waste Watch Ottawa is still calling for change. They believe the province can make much better efforts in raising the disposal rates and further educating residents.
One of the ways disposal rates can be raised is by implementing different programs for residents and garbage collectors. For instance, using clear garbage bags is a sure-fire way to know what exactly is being disposed. If collectors notice recyclables in garbage bags they can then refuse to take them away.
The municipal dump has said that it has approximately 28 more years left until they will be at full capacity. More residents will have to be further educated on waste if we are to have any chance at prolonging this timeline. What will the province do when they no longer have a place to dump their garbage? It is imperative that Ottawa come up with some resources now and implement new programs as soon as possible before it is too late. Quarterly or at the very least semi-annual reports need to be started back up again to keep close track on what is happening.
