4d ago

Ontario’s Recycling Targets in Jeopardy: A deposit-return system could turn low recycling rates around

leveller.ca

Ontario’s Recycling Targets in Jeopardy - The Leveller

3 comments

We already know what works: deposit-return programs in provinces like BC and Alberta have achieved recovery rates of 77 per cent and 85 per cent for non-alcoholic beverage containers, respectively.”
I'm actually interested in how this works in practice.
We have blue bin poachers around here, who rifle through your bins in the middle of the night, often leaving a mess. Doesn't a deposit-return system encourage more of that?
Or do people collect these containers in their home?
And where do they return these containers? If they are disabled or elderly... does this end up being a disproportionate burden on them?
If it works, cool. The implementation is what interests me.
There's still people not throwing those in the blue bin? Why?
I think the deposits are kinda dumb: it's annoying to have to pile up the cans to bring them somewhere for a few dollars when the city picks up unlimited recycling.
I think Ottawa does it right: you don't get much trash space, so you have to use the most out of the recycling bins and the compost bin. These days we average at half a trash bin (~60L) of trash every 2 weeks.
I already separate paper recycling and cans/plastics/glass, if they want cans separately they just have to introduce another separate bin for those and call it a day.
Monetary rewards only work on poorer people that could use the extra 5 bucks trip. Convenience wins the middle class, and that's in the form of a bin they collect curbside like the rest.
- I don't know if it works everywhere, but where I live theres groups of people that scavenge through the trash every week, they already take every returnable out. It's not perfect but it gives some vulnerable populations a small source of income while reducing the load on city recycling programs I think thats a win-win with practically no downsides.
  As the article points out alcohol has a 75% return rate which is pretty damn great imo