In Ontario, we all want to do what we can to protect our environment. One way to do this is by ensuring unwanted “household hazardous” and “special” wastes are either reused, recycled or disposed of responsibly.
Household hazardous and special waste includes products like paint and solvents, non-rechargeable batteries, automotive antifreeze and propane cylinders that we have used around our homes for decades, but that need special care when it’s time to dispose of leftovers and/or empty containers.
Under the Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste (MHSW) program, Stewardship Ontario encourages everyone to “Do What You Can.” Do What You Can recognizes that we can all do more to help improve the environment through the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle)..
You can start by buying only the amount you need of any of these products and using them all up, or give the leftovers to a friend or neighbour. Otherwise, take the leftovers and empty containers to a registered collection site where you can be sure the material will be reused, recycled or, if necessary, disposed of in an environmentally appropriate manner. Not all collections sites are registered to collect all types of waste so make sure you take the waste to the right place and during the right hours. Remember dumping waste of any type is illegal and it can have a very detrimental effect on our environment.
VISIT: www.dowhatyoucan.ca. On this interactive website, you can search by type of waste, community or postal code to find nearby locations where you can take unwanted MHSW materials. You can find out what type of waste a collection site accepts and what days/hours each is open. The website also provides tips and an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).
Want to know more?
