Study Finds Canadians Need "Safe Garbage" Education

Statistics Canada released a report Thursday which shows many Canadians are still unaware of how to properly dispose of their computers, expired medication and batteries. This is a serious concern, as disposing of these items in conventional methods can pose environmental dangers.

The study looked at the disposal habits of Canadians in four areas: Leftover or expired medications; dead batteries; computers and communication devices; and paint. It found that four out of 10 Canadian households throw out or flush their old medicine and only a quarter of households recycle batteries. The other two comparison points fared better, with sixteen percent of old electronics and computers being thrown away and only four percent of Canadians' paint being improperly discarded.

The unsafe disposal of these items can have adverse effects on the environment. Smaller or older landfill sites can have sub-par pollution control systems that lessen the impact of certain substances on the environment. Research has shown that medication leeching into the water supply can not only hormonally disrupt aquatic species, but can be harmful to humans as well. Computers and other gadgets contain toxic materials such mercury, lead, and arsenic. Some batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, nickel-cadmium and lithium.

John Marshall, the author of the report, suggests that a large number of Canadians may not be aware of the programs in place to safely dispose of more hazardous types of waste.

So where can you go with your expired medicine or dead batteries? Your pharmacist can safely dispose of your medication. Computers can be taken back to the manufacturer or donated to your local electronics recycling organization. Many retailers, such as Home Depot or Zellers, will take rechargeable batteries. Take dead non-rechargeable batteries and leftover paint to a municipal depot, where they have programs in place for proper disposal.

Sources: CBC, CTV and Statistics Canada

Photo: Paul Sancya/AP

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Study Finds Canadians Need "Safe Garbage" Education

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