One of the interesting things about working at ReCollect, is that you get to learn about waste collection programs across North America.
You start to recognize similarities between programs, similarities that are often based on regional geography.
In Atlantic Canada, you see more municipalities with bi-weekly garbage collection, with garbage being collected in clear bags.
In the southern US, you find municipalities with twice-a-week garbage collection, and bi-weekly recycling collection. These programs tend to use carts for all collection streams.
On the US west coast, you find more situations where residents get to pick their hauler, and sometimes, their frequency of collection.
On Canada’ west coast, there are many municipalities that run a “six-day” collection schedule, meaning collection days change frequently due to holidays.
In central Canada, recycling and food waste organics tend to be collected weekly, while garbage is collected bi-weekly.
In the far north of Canada, you see alternating, bi-weekly garbage and organics collection, with recycling available by drop-off only.
A major difference between Canada and the USA is the collection of food waste. Across Canada, residential collection of food waste is quite common. For example, in the province of Ontario, 58% of all households (approximately 3.1 million homes) have access to household food waste collection. In the USA, food waste collection is more common in the commercial sector.
There’s also difference in terms of household hazardous waste. In Canada, household batteries (single-use and rechargeable) and latex paint are considered hazardous, and must be dropped off for recycling. In the USA, many municipalities will allow single-use batteries and dried latex paint to be placed the garbage. But in parts of the United States (primarily on the west coast), you’ll find motor oil is collected at the curb for recycling, while in Canada, motor oil must be dropped-off for recycling.
Similarities and differences in waste collection programs can be attributed to geography, weather, the ability to process and market recyclables, the role of product stewardship, funding, and social and political will.
It’s important for municipalities to learn from the best practices of other jurisdictions to learn what programs can maximize customer service and waste diversion.
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