If we Reduce Single-Use Product, can we Hit Zero Waste today in Toronto – it’s a possibility
Single-use items are the biggest threat towards a zero waste future. As attractive as disposables may have once been, they struggle to have a purpose in an environmentally-friendly world.
Single-use waste reduction strategies are becoming the norm in municipalities across Canada, including here in Toronto. Now that recycling has been adopted as a mainstream waste management idea, single-use items have no value to a world centered on maximizing its recycling power. They also only serve to inflate waste diversion percentages, which are commonly used to measure the sustainability of a region’s landfills.
Regarding single-use items, there’s no telling how much restrictions they put on municipal recycling programs. Most Canadian cities have a 50 percent waste diversion rate with a select number such as Vancouver enjoy rates as high as 60 percent. Thus far, no one has been able to achieve a 75 percent, 80 percent, or 90 percent waste diversion rate. Eliminating single-use products would help push us closer to achieving zero waste which would be a 100 percent diversion rate. Is 100 percent possible – some certainly seem to think so. The reason why single-use products thrive is because they suit out lifestyles and emulate consumer behaviour. But, if we changed consumer behaviour, we may find ourselves using alternative products reusable or recyclable in the place of single-use.
Zero waste is all about taking our waste and discarded materials, and using them as resources. Products need to be designed in a way that avoids them from having to end up in a landfill. Implementing products that are good for multiple uses conserves our resources, instead of just burning through them as if there’s an infinite amount. Toronto’s zero waste commitment is somewhat unclear as a way to achieve that has not yet been identified. That said, we advocate for the elimination of single-use products in favor of products with more value. This is a major bullet point for any party seeking waste minimization and reduction in the city.
Reducing single-use items would include eliminating products like Styrofoam cups, plastic straws, plastic grocery bags, Polysterene take-out containers, disposable coffee cups, and disposable utensils. Regarding these products, would a single-use container ban be too aggressive – maybe, it’s hard to say. Regardless, these are things we need to look at if we’re looking to get to zero waste. Could we accomplish zero waste in Toronto today – no, probably not. Though, assuming single-use products were no longer a reality, this would increase waste diversion rates to such an extent that they may achieve the highest percentages they’ve ever reached.
It might not be an easy change to make. Single-use items fit into our daily routine quite nicely. Also, many businesses use single use containers and single-use products to support the delivery of product. Changing all of this behaviour is not going to happen overnight. Supply chains would have to be disrupted and higher costs for consumables might be a temporary barrier to implementation. The outcome of all this work though would be highly positive. If Toronto is serious about developing impactful waste reduction strategies, the way we allow single-use products to continue to exist and be sold is something that needs a strong look.
Contact Core Mini Bins today for more information on how to save on Toronto waste management, recycling, and dumpster rentals, among other services.
