The extensive waste management strike in Toronto left citizens under piles of garbage and a sea of anger. The strike was a result of the waste management Labor unions requesting a wage increase to match other municipal workers. Their request was denied, resulting in a collective refusal to work. Such immediate and severe action finally caused Toronto officials to sit up and take notice.

Its affect
Other than the layers of garbage bags lining the streets, the strike also resulted in a 25% increase in sales of waste-removal products. Furthermore, it has generally forced residents to think carefully about how to dispose of their waste making environmentally friendly recycling a necessary option for those desperate to clean out their garbage.

Though the strike has left many to believe it is creating a mess out of the once beautiful city, there are some benefits to be gained. It is beginning to force residents to think of creative ways to minimize garbage as well as to recycle regularly and consider composting. By improving your method of waste control, you can help to reduce the already overflowing landfills and reduce environmental damage until they make the garbage removal.

How to improve your waste disposal
Bags are available to buy and each one stores between 30-40 bags of regular rubbish. Including recyclable items such as milk cartons, newspapers, glass bottles and plastics is an unnecessary waste for rhino bags. Such bags sell for between $20 and $40. They can be purchased from store and can be dropped off and picked up at your convenience.

Composting
As composting is an organic process it reduces waste using waste to feed your soil. Garden organics such as leaves, grass clippings as well as food waste such as vegetable peels, coffee grounds and egg shells can be composted to create organic materials that can then be used in the garden. Even materials such as human and animal hair and newspapers can be composted effectively.

In order to compost you will need to purchase a solid green bin. First, start with a thick layer of twigs or coarse mulch at the base for drainage. Then layer on your kitchen organics and green garden organics. Cover with a layer of brown garden organics ensuring no food waste is left exposed. Moisten and repeat the process. In eight weeks the compost will be ready to use. To ensure it does not smell make sure it is not too wet and air can circulate through the layers. A common cause is putting in too much food waste and not enough dry waste. In such cases, fork in dry mulch such as leaves or twigs. Turn the compost to also get more air in.

Recycling
The Blue Bin recycling program can be used to dispose of both paper and recyclable materials such as alcohol beverage containers, paper and foam polystyrene. This includes foam protective packaging, foam meat trays, foam takeout food containers, foam plates, foam egg cartons and foam coffee cups. Please note such items must be rinsed to ensure no residue remains.