The return of spring means 2018 household hazardous waste depots and other initiatives in Ottawa that help divert items from landfill.
2018 household hazardous waste depots, Give Away Weekend, electronic waste drop-offs and changes to the city’s green bin program are just some of the ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.
2018 household hazardous waste depots
These one-day drop-offs run about once a month between April and October at revolving locations across the city. Open to Ottawa residents, they accept corrosive, flammable and poisonous products that can’t go down the drain or to landfill because they would contaminate the water or soil.
These depots also accept a long list of household items such as paint, fire extinguishers, fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and pool chemicals. For a list of what is accepted, as well as dates and locations of this year’s depots, check the city’s website here. (It also offers suggestions on ways to reduce household hazardous waste use.)
In 2017, depot drop-offs helped divert 625 tonnes of hazardous waste from landfill, including 33,000 CFL light bulbs, 10 tonnes of batteries and 345 tonnes of paint.
The first drop-off date for 2018 will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 29 at the OC Transpo Park and Ride, 1201 Trim Rd.
Electronic waste depots
In past years, the city had accepted household electronic waste at some of the hazardous waste depots. This year, there are separate e-waste drop-off days, but at the moment there are dates scheduled only until May 12. While these depots are at city facilities, they’re hosted by Junk That Funk in support of a non-profit group called Their Opportunity.
You can get details about the e-waste depots here (use the left-side navigation to scroll down to almost the bottom of the page).
Give Away Weekend
This is an initiative that began a few years ago. It aims to recycle household items that still have life in them by offering them for free at your curbside on a dedicated weekend in the spring.
Books, dishes, small appliances and furniture are all examples of items that could be a hidden treasure to someone touring your neighbourhood.
This year’s Give Away Weekend will be held June 9 and 10. Items are placed at the curb with a free sign. Keep safety in mind. For instance, many baby items such as walkers, cribs, car seats and strollers should not be put out.
For details on Give Away Weekend guidelines and etiquette, check here (navigate via the left-hand menu).
Changes to green bins
Since we’re talking about household waste, you may have heard about changes coming to Ottawa green bins.
Ottawa city council recently approved allowing plastic bags and dog feces in green bins; however, the changes won’t take effect until next year. Until then, if you’re not sure what can go in your green bin (or your blue and black bins, for that matter), you can check specific items here or see a list of typical items here (scroll past the collection calendar).
