We kicked off the week with Ottawa’s new three-item garbage limit. However, I want to first acknowledge that our week truly began with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to listen, learn, and take meaningful action.
Now that Ottawa's new and straightforward garbage limit is in place, why am I confused?Perhaps my skepticism comes from my experience in the construction industry or the fact that many in my inner circle don't prioritize waste diversion. Fortunately, I’ve connected with like-minded individuals through Earthub who give me hope.
Garbage Guidelines
These same individuals believe there isn't enough pressure on Ottawa residents to recognize the urgency of the Trail Road Waste Facility capacity limits, noting that many neighbours already adhere to the new 3-item limit. Unfortunately for me, I have seen the exact opposite.
Many of my Earthub connections, who have become friends over the years, have witnessed significant strides in their communities regarding waste diversion even before this new implementation. The new restrictions limit household curbside waste to one garbage bag, one 140L garbage bin, and one bulky item. Various combinations of these options are permitted (e.g., two garbage bags and one 140L garbage bin). Those living in multi-residential areas, like myself, may think a 3-item limit is super restrictive. And maybe that is just because I see this nearly every single week:
Instances of waste disposal at Brittanny's multi-residential home - 2018 to 2024
Tackling Trash in Shared Spaces
The new 3-item garbage limit does apply to multi-residential properties, with each unit restricted to this limit. Typically, multi-residential areas have what the City refers to as a "common pad," where applicable bins are located for multiple units. Here’s where my confusion sets in: how will this be tracked?
Where I live, there are six common pads within a 250m radius. Out of the 128 units surrounding me, and an estimated 350 residents, only 11 of us are likely aware of the scheduled pick-ups. This includes about 10 residents who are close enough to the common pads to hear the loud noises of the trucks during pick-up, and then there’s me - the one resident who actually goes out to watch the pick-ups. Yes, as a waste management nerd, I observe and occasionally say hi to the collectors, who may or may not think I’m a total creep by now.
If residents have a common space to dispose of their waste without restrictions on the time or day of the week, they essentially have the freedom to dispose of items whenever they choose. So, who’s to say that one unit couldn’t bring out 8 items, for example, within the collection period? Based on the photos above, it’s clear that not many individuals care about how much they bring to our common pad - or even whether they place their bags directly in the bin.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
While I believe that prevention and changes in human behavior will always be the paramount solutions, I think the 3-item garbage limit is a good start, based on what I’ve personally witnessed. It may not seem restrictive enough to some - and they’re right; it’s not - but adjustments take time, and a realistic outlook of the entire city must be considered, rather than just focusing on what environmentalists know can be improved. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised by the amount of feedback that emerged following Monday’s changes.
I notice a complete divide among my fellow Earthub connections. Some are part of circles that practice amazing waste diversion, while others, like me, find that most don’t even recycle, let alone consider low consumption, public transportation, or composting. It’s safe to say that when something is out of sight, it’s out of mind, and I believe this reflects the differing experiences and perspectives we have.
In addition to observing the lack of environmental sustainability in my circles, I’m also disheartened by what I’ve seen at many construction sites over the years, where our foundations are built not just on granular materials, concrete, and asphalt, but on piles of plastic water bottles, pop cans, Timmies cups, and cigarette butts - a conversation for another day.
Sustainability Starts with Us
Our planet is certainly in crisis mode, and aggressive changes need to happen, or we risk depleting resources even further for future generations. So, where do we go from here? We continue to make daily improvements to strive for circular economy solutions, educate each other, and collaborate on innovative waste reduction strategies.
Earthub collects everyday items for reuse - email environment@earthub.ca with your city name to find drop-off locations near you! Additionally, Earthub offers circular economy consulting and services for your business, along with collection pick-ups.
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