The city of Hamilton began its Green Bin project back in 2003 and by 2006 the Green Bins were distributed city wide. The roll out, as I remember it, was exciting. It was as though we were making history. One day I’ll be able to tell my children and grandchildren that I remember when the green bins were first introduced. I wish I could say my grandfather was just as excited as I was, but that was not the case. He groaned at the idea of having to sort through his garbage more than what he was already used to. The boxes came with a brochure and magnet describing all that was to be included in these new containers. The brochure and magnet had a cartoon stick figure, and small print. It was clear that this roll-out was to be targeted to the younger generation. I get that; I can see why they would want to establish habits with children. It was a smart move. As someone who lives in a house with elderly, and on a street that is predominately elderly, this tactic was not effective. My grandfather was not about to stand in front of the fridge with what ever piece of waste he had, and read a long list of products off a magnet to see where he should put his garbage. The idea of having indoor compost also revolted him. “We’ll have maggots and mice” he grumbled.
Six years since the city rolled out this project, many seniors are still having issues. Today, I was woken by my elderly neighbours, bickering about what goes into the green box and what doesn’t. Not many households on my elderly populated street utilize the green bins given to them, and an even smaller amount use them to their full extent. My grandfather is a bit more open to the idea, but not by much. We use it for yard waste, but that’s it. Banana peels, paper towels, meat bones are all still being quickly thrown into the garbage without a second thought. The one-bag rule that the city has imposed upon us has made our family a bit more cautious of what we throw out, but again not by much. So what can be done? How do we teach our older friends new habits? I have made a list of what I think my grandfather, and street of seniors could use:
1) A new list of items, but in categories. For example: instead of saying loose leaf tea and tea bags… just say coffee/tea waste.
2) Larger print brochures
3) Items specific to their lifestyle such as diabetic strips and bladder control diapers
4) A media campaign featuring seniors using the box.
5) Reasons why it is important for them to make this change.
I think that if we were to speak to the seniors with respect and show them how this program is not just for young families, they would be more apt to use it. Also the more informed they are, the more they will be able to take full advantage of the program. I know that with the right knowledge and idea of the benefits, my grandfather would use his green bin for more than just lawn clippings.
I can see a future where instead of a big garbage can in the house, we will have a big green bin, and a little garbage can as opposed to what we have now, the opposite. Yes, one day I believe that what we chose to recycle will out weigh what we toss in the trash. But all the family members need to be on board, including grandma and grandpa, not just the kids.
