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Tips and Tricks for Composting in Vancouver
/in Commercial Rubbish Removal and Recycling, community, composting, Green Buildings, Organic Waste, Recycling/by Green Coast RubbishGreen Coast in Action: North Shore Recycling Program Zero Waste Project
/in Recycling, Uncategorized/by Green Coast RubbishElectronics Recycling and E-Waste
/in Commercial Rubbish Removal and Recycling, Electronics Recycling/by Green Coast RubbishWe live in a pretty amazing time. It seems every week, an announcement for some new technology changes the face of televisions, computers, or cell phones. Electronics are getting smaller (or in the case of TV’s, BIGGER), faster, and more equipped to handle all the tasks in our busy lives. But it comes at a cost. With a built-in obsolesce period for most gadgets being less than 2 years, people are finding themselves with basements and attics full of old TVs, printers, and VCR’s (remember those?). It all adds up to a huge amount of waste here in Canada each year.
It seems that many people are just unsure of what to do with it all. This fascinating (and somewhat alarming) StatsCan website shows the percentage of Canadians who have unwanted electronics in their households… in British Columbia, up to 31% of homes have unused televisions in their homes! Just wander down any alley in the Vancouver, and it’s likely that you’ll see abandoned electronics left beside dumpsters. Unfortunately, if they are not properly disposed of, these devices can get thrown into landfills, or sent to developing countries where they are dismantled for metal or parts; oftentimes without safety equipment. If handled improperly, the individuals doing it can be exposed to dangerous substances such as mercury, lead, and chromium—all known to be extremely toxic to humans, animals, and the environment.
We can help. Whether it’s a massive TV, old CRT monitor, or burnt out computer tower; whatever you have, we can take care of it for you. Quickly, easily and in the most environmentally conscious way possible. In 2012 alone, Green Coast Rubbish recycled 5.1 tonnes of electronics, and nearly 3 tonnes of TV’s. (Which, for those who are curious, equals roughly the same weight as an African Elephant).
After pickup, we work together with Encorp, a federally incorporated, not-for-profit association who is committed to recycling within our communities. They ensure that e-waste is properly processed, with all usable components diverted, and any remaining parts disposed of in safe and ethical ways.
You have a lot on your mind. Having these items collecting dust in your home creates both physical and mental clutter in your life. With a single call, we can handle it, and you can get back to focusing on what’s most important.
A Solution for All of Your Renovation Waste
/in Renovation Waste/by Green Coast RubbishAre you renovating? If you are or are planning to, then you are going to be blessed with a HUGE amount of construction waste. Don’t just rent a bin and send it to the local landfill. I have a better solution.
This solution will allow you to sleep well at night knowing that you are not adding to the world’s massive garbage problem. Call North Vancouver based GREEN COAST RUBBISH for all of that recycling, composting, demolition and tree waste. In 2012, they diverted 76% of the waste they picked up to alternative recycling and waste recovery streams. A company with a purpose and a mission. Read more of GreenKick.ca’s blog post on us.
Be sure to check out Michele Partridge’s GreenKick.ca for all that is green. You’ll find tips on how to live a greener, healthier lifestyle. Thanks for the great profile and the kind words Michele!
Electronics Recycling in Vancouver
/in Electronics Recycling/by Green Coast RubbishAre you unsure of how to properly dispose of your obsolete and unwanted electronics? According to a December 2012 survey conducted by Samsung, many Canadians are! In fact, 1 in 10 respondents admitted to throwing their old electronics into the garbage, while 1 in 3 suggested that their old electronics are just collecting dust in their homes.
Recycling of your electronics should not be a challenge or a burden when you consider the excellent regional recycling programs and facilities we have in place. We at Green Coast Rubbish want to make sure you do the right thing with your e-waste, so we have come up with a resource list of FREE locations and programs where you can recycle your electronics responsibly in Metro Vancouver.
Resources
The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to address the growing problem of e-waste and the increasing ‘digital divide’. ERA offers simple solutions to help individuals and organizations prevent operational equipment from premature destruction. With a focus on recovery, refurbishment, and reuse, ERA continuously supplies charitable groups with donated IT equipment while securely managing the retiring IT assets of organizations and individuals across Canada. Learn more about their organization here.
Encorp Pacific’s Return-It Depots have a fantastic end-of-life electronics recycling program available to all consumers in British Columbia. The Return-It depots are located across the Lower Mainland of BC. Basically, anything with a plug or a battery can be recycled through this program. Find the nearest Return-It depot.
Free Geek is another great option for recycling your electronics in Vancouver. They operate as a nonprofit organization that not only recycles, but reuses the donated electronics. Check out their website for details on acceptable electronics and store location.
London Drugs also provides a free end-of-life electronics recycling program for items that have been purchased at their stores. Customers can drop off items for recycling at any store location. Follow these links for a list of eligible materials and for the location nearest you.
If you didn’t know, the Salvation Army has been a working partner of Encorp’s Electronics Return-It program since 2007, and they will also take your electronics for recycling. Additionally, if your items still have some life left in them, the Salvation Army will happily accept them for donation. For the nearest drop off location.
Think Recycle is a cost-free environmental fundraising program that refiberishes, recycles, and resuses donated electronics. Green Coast Rubbish has partnered with the e-waste organization since 2011. All funds generated through Green Coast’s collection of appropriate e-waste are donated to the David Suzuki Foundation. Check out our past blog about the partnership. Visit Think Recycle’s site to learn more about their program and how to get involved.
Anyway you look at it your old electronics contain hazardous materials that are harmful to our environment, and as such, they must be recycled responsibly! If you are in need of assistance or advice with recycling your electronics from your home, organization or place of work call us today for a free and friendly quote. Happy recycling!