Single-use plastics
Plastics are mostly single-use items; therefore they benefit a linear based economy. Single-use plastics are items used in convenience such as straws, stirrers, cups, bottles, food containers, bags, etc., and, as the name implies, are typically used once and then discarded.
Microplastics are small but harmful plastic particles that come from the breakdown of plastic materials and can damage Muskoka’s lakes, rivers, fish and wildlife.
The federal government has banned some hard-to-recycle plastics, as part of its goal to reach zero plastic waste by 2030.
The first phase of the ban has already come into effect, prohibiting the manufacture and import for sale of six single-use plastics. This includes checkout bags, cutlery, food service ware made from or containing problematic plastics that are hard to recycle, stir sticks, and straws, with the exception to accommodate people who need them. Read the Government of Canada's Fact sheet: Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations for more information.
Organic waste diversion
Organic waste can be 30-50% (or more) of household garbage. Diverting organic waste from landfills has huge benefits for the environment (see the District of Muskoka's Green Bin Organics Collection).
Maybe composting or vermicomposting is right for you! (see Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve Composting 101 and Muskoka Watershed Council Composting with Worms).
Recycling electronics and batteries
Keep electronic waste and batteries—along with the hazardous materials they contain—out of the landfill by recycling them properly.
Resources
- Town of Huntsville Garbage, Recycling and Waste
- Muskoka's Waste Wizard app
- Get customized waste management information including service alerts, collection reminders, waste facility information and Waste Wizard by downloading the free Muskoka Recycles App in the App Store or Google Play.
- Organize a litter clean-up and help keep Muskoka beautiful!