There’s been a lot of buzz lately about our recycling system since China, the world’s biggest recycling market, has stopped accepting more plastics. This decision has a huge impact on recycling systems around the world - including here in Ontario-  and it highlights the problems that arise from not holding producers responsible for the packaging they create.

BY ADRIA VASIL, NOW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 25, 2017

We talked to Toronto residents at their door and at community events throughout the summer about food scraps and organics collection and where we need more of it. 95% of people surveyed agreed that we need rules to ensure every home and business in Toronto has green bins to compost food scraps and organics.

If improvements aren't made, the province's landfills could run out of capacity within the next 20 years, the government warns.

Organics (such as food scraps and other compostables) are a valuable resource: through composting organics, we recycle their valuable nutrients to support healthy soils, and in some cases, create green energy and green jobs!

The numbers are staggering: estimates show that Ontario generates 500,000 tonnes of clothing and textile waste every year and that number is expected to grow rapidly.

TEA is thrilled to have been part of the Mayor's Towering Challenge and to have been a member of the judging panel. In the end, 11 buildings won awards for their efforts in reducing waste in their buildings!

On Earth Day, TEA focused on zero waste for Toronto's vertical communities with a zero waste event and community clean up at CityPlace, a high-rise community of 13,000+ residents.