Some time ago, I watched CBC's "Marketplace," a rather unusual occurrence for me since I normally avoid "Canada's broadcaster." But in this case, I made an exception and I'm glad I did, because what I saw not only surprised me, but it also caused me to re-think about something I thought was under proper government control.
For years and decades, I felt I was doing my bit by recycling. When the blue bins were introduced and my monthly City bill went up, I grumbled because now I was paying for something I was already doing. Nevertheless, I had no choice, so every week the usual paper and plastics went into the bin.
But no more.
Paper is still fine but leftover plastics now go into my regular garbage. Why? Because it's not recycled, or at least not very much of it.
According to "Marketplace," only 9% (NINE PERCENT) of all Canadian plastic is recycled. The rest is either tossed in with the landfill (surprise!), incinerated (ick!), or...
It is sent via boat to Malaysia where it clutters their forests. Piles and piles of it. Just one storage area of plastic was two stores high, about 50 feet wide and 100's of feet long. In amongst the plastic were shopping bags from Superstore, Canada Safeway, various Co-ops, and Canadian Tire.
Not all the plastic in these dumps are from Canada, but it angered me to see that we were well represented.
In Malaysia, much of the post-consumer plastic is illegally obtained with false permits and bogus shipping labels, and of course, corrupt businessmen on both the shipping and receiving ends. Burning the plastic, which is common in that country, causes horrible conditions for the workers and the surrounding population. Toxic gases and sicknesses abound and workers are often denied basic safety protection when working.
Honestly, I don't what Calgary's record is on this issue, but I'm taking a small stand. No more plastic recycling me for. But if we are to continue to keep using plastic instead of alternatives, then it's at least going to stay in Calgary where it belongs.
It's not going to Malaysia.
