The word “waste” refers to any substance, hazardous or non-hazardous, which has no further value and is managed at processing, disposal sites, or recycling. One of the most important reasons for environmental degeneration is the inappropriate management of waste products, including hazardous waste. In Canada, the responsibility to protect the environment is shared between the provincial and federal governments. The specific responsibilities of the two levels of government in regard to waste management concerns such as the recycling of waste products, the transportation of waste products within and between provinces, the disposal of municipal trash, and the treatment of hazardous materials are determined following the division of legislative capacities as stipulated in the Constitution Act, 1867. Also, the many waste management companies in the country come in handy by providing bin rental services to the residents.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Minimizing the amount of solid waste we manufacture is the most efficient way of reducing the amount of garbage that ends up in our landfills. For this to be effective, we need to integrate the 3Rs into our daily routine. As a responsible Canadian, you can recycle the materials that cannot be reused, whether at home, school, or at work. You can also close the gap on recycling by buying recycled and recyclable products.
Even after employing the 3Rs, there are still residual materials left behind requiring disposal or treatment. At this point, there is need to manage waste in an environmentally friendly manner to minimize the effects on human health and the environment. In Canada, the collection, disposal, and recycling are carried out by the municipal governments. The province and territorial governments, on the other hand, are responsible for the licensing, approval, and monitoring of operations. For the recycling process to be successful, residents are given waste disposal bins to put in their waste which is taken to different collection points on specific days.
The Management of Hazardous Waste in Canada
Hazardous waste is that trash that is potentially harmful to human health as well as the natural environment. This kind of waste requires special disposal methods to terminate or reduce the risk. Though not meant for elimination, hazardous recyclable materials also require special recycling methods to protect humans and the environment.
Environment Canada actualizes the terms of service of international agreements relevant to hazardous waste, which it is a part of. By signing such agreements, Canada is making a commitment to implement national legislation to foster the environmentally friendly management of hazardous materials and hazardous recyclable waste
Inefficient management of waste inflicts an economic strain on Canadians. All the three levels of government in Canada contribute to environmental conservation by playing different roles in waste management.
