In the months leading up to August, Markham residents started switching to clear garbage bags in order to decrease the amount of hazardous and recyclable materials being sent to the new Durham-York Energy Centre incinerator.
Clear bags make it simple and efficient for collectors to ensure garbage bags do not contain banned materials such as batteries, electronic items and sharp objects.
The switch to clear has been a great success — Thornhill residents deserve a gold star! The collection numbers from May indicate recyclables, organics and yard material tonnage is up, and garbage tonnage is down. As of the second week of June, only 641 of Markham’s 80,000 homes did not comply, and diversion was over 75 per cent — the highest in the GTA.
Starting the week of June 25, 2013, Miller Waste Systems will be leaving garbage in dark bags at the curb with a yellow sticker. Residents using dark garbage bags will need to transfer their contents to a clear one.
As outlined in Markham’s diversion plan, electronics collection events will be held at local community centres throughout the year, and residents can also recycle electronics and televisions at the drop-off depot on Rodick Road.
The following two Thornhill locations are currently carrying clear bags: Shoppers Drug Mart (298 John St.) and Longo’s (7355 Bayview Ave.).
For more information, please visit www.markham.ca, and click on “recycling & waste” under the “residents” tab, phone me at 905-479-7747, or e-mail me at vburke@markham.ca.
Thanks again for switching!