Author Archives: joycewychan

About joycewychan

I'm Joyce Chan, the Waste Management Program Coordinator for Halton Region where I am involved with project management. I am an avid skier and by using the Blue Box and GreenCart we can all help keep winter white.

Road Trip!

It is the start of summer. For many of us, it is also the start of summer road trips.  Whether a trip to the cottage or exploring Canada, here are some tips that can help make the trip greener. Make … Continue reading

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Recycling old recycling bins

Most of us are familiar with the materials accepted by our municipal curbside recycling programs, items like paper, cardboard, steel and aluminum cans, and certain plastic packaging But did you ever wonder what happens to those materials that are a … Continue reading

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Halton residents divert a lot of waste at Special Waste Drop-off Days

  The final numbers are in for all seven of 2012’s Special Waste Drop-Off Days. Over 5,200 vehicles dropped off materials at our seven events — in fact, Halton residents diverted 108 tonnes of household hazardous waste and 128 tonnes … Continue reading

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Greening healthcare

It’s that time of year again when facial tissues out number the dollar bills I have in my purse.  Yes, it’s cold and flu season! As you reach for the bottle of medication to help make you feel better faster, … Continue reading

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Fifty Shades of Blue

Recycling bins are coloured blue based on the first curbside recycling program in Ontario. Starting March 2013, Halton Region will be offering new Blue Boxes.  These Blue Boxes will be larger: 83 litres (22 gallons) instead of the current 60 litres (16 … Continue reading

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Protect the environment when skiing, snowboarding and tubing

We’re hitting the slopes at Glen Eden, learning how we can protect the environment while skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

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Please check your carry-on for waste

“Ladies and gentlemen we are approaching our final descent.  The cabin crew will be by to pick up any service items.” If you have ever flown on a plane, you would have most likely heard this announcement.  In some instances, … Continue reading

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2013 Halton Waste Management Guide and Collection Calendar – how it’s made

Starting this week, residents of Halton Region will start to receive their 2013 Waste Management Guide & Collection Calendar.  This annual publication not only provides you with your waste collection schedule, but also provides information about Blue Box and GreenCart … Continue reading

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The history of recycling in Ontario

Have you ever wondered why the recycling box is blue? Or why only certain materials are accepted for recycling? Or even where recycling started? Proof of recycling can actually be found all the way back to 400 BCE, however modern … Continue reading

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Posted in Blue Box, History, Product Stewardship, Recycle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Plastics by the numbers

Halton residents love to recycle!  In fact, over 90% of Halton households place a Blue Box out for collection every week!  If there’s one material type that causes confusion and concern, it’s plastics! There are many different types of products … Continue reading

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Posted in Blue Box, Product Stewardship, Recycle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments