| Environmental Columns
Not everything is garbage: the importance of proper waste management
The current rate at which we produce household waste is unsustainable, and it has been for years. In fact, the majority of items found in your garbage bag does not belong. These items can instead be composted, recycled, refurbished, or donated to families in need. Donations can be brought to the Renaissance Hymus Donation Centre, or search for a donation bin near you.
Unfortunately, improper waste management has led to more items pilling up in local landfills. According to reports, nine of Quebec’s 38 landfills could reach capacity by 2030, and another 13 could be full by 2041 at the current rate of waste disposal.
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Lowering household waste
There are several concrete ways of lowering the amount of garbage generated by each household. Firstly, properly sorting through your garbage and avoiding the disposal of items that could be either recycled, composted, or brought to an Ecocentre is imperative to lowering the quantity of household waste. As the infographic suggests, over 90% of items disposed of in household waste are recyclable waste, organic materials and other items that belong in other collections, and away from dump sites. Avoiding the use of single-plastics items, plastic bags and other items that serve a single purpose is another great way of reducing your waste. Using a reusable water bottle, bringing reusable cups and plates to school or work are great ways of reducing the quantity of garage generated per person. |
The statistical truth
The City of Montreal reports that residents of the Greater Montreal Area generated 902 650 tons of residual waste in 2022, 52% of which ended up in landfills. Although this number is still too high, it nevertheless represents a significant reduction in waste compared to the previous year.
The target proportion of organic matter recovered in the Greater Montreal area for 2025 is 60%. The region was sitting at 35% in 2022, which implies that residents must continue utilizing their compost bins and avoiding the improper management of organic waste such as kitchen waste (eggs, cereal, bread, fish, fruits, vegetables, etc.) yard waste (flowers, plants, weeds, grass clipping, leaves, etc.) and other organic waste.
In the same study, the City of Pointe-Claire ranked fifth worst in the Greater Montreal area for generation of residual waste per person with a total of 528 kg per capita, but the City did rank first in recovery of recyclable goods, surpassing the City of Montreal’s set objective for 2025.
The City of Montreal has set an objective to lower its residents waste per capita from 528 kg to 399 kg by 2025. There is still much work to be done.
Participating in all collections
It’s important to know what materials belong in what bin, to avoid putting all household items and materials in the household waste collection. Compost Quebec and the Pointe-Claire Waste Collection Guide are two great tools to consult when dispose of everyday items.
Ecocentres and permanent collection points are other great ways of disposing of items that you no longer use. At the City’s permanent collection points, you may dispose of small electronic items, batteries, cork, and polystyrene (Styrofoam) items.
Residents can all take advantage of our local temporary Ecocentre and the permanent ones in the Montreal area. These centres allow residents to dispose of numerous materials, including accepted recyclable items, dry and bulky materials, metals, wood, and electronic waste. To learn more about our Ecocentre, visit the Ecocentre page on our website.