After a long, snowy winter, it's time to get outside and enjoy the spring growth. And April being Earth Month, our thoughts go to what we can do and how we can change to help our precious world.

In this edition, we have news on an important change for one of our programs, and lots of tips, reminders and resources to help you and our community Reduce, Reuse and Recycle more. After all, sometimes big changes start with small actions.

Every bag counts

Did you know that 88 per cent of households in Waterloo Region set out less than three garbage bags/cans every week? This means that our community is doing a good job sorting waste and using blue boxes and green bins.

For those 12 per cent of households that set out four or more garbage bags/cans, we need to talk. Starting October 17, garbage limits will be reduced from four to three bags/cans every other week.

We are doing this to reduce the amount of waste going to our landfill, which is part of our Strategic Plan. This program change was approved by Planning and Works Committee on April 12 and Regional Council on April 27. A copy of the report is available online (starting on page 176 of the Committee agenda .)

And we know that this is achievable. From past audits, almost 60 per cent of an average garbage bag can be recycled or composted.

So while there is room for improvement, you don't have to do it alone. We are here to help you, and protect our landfill, even if it's one bag at a time.

Depending on your perspective, recycling is part of an environmental commitment, a chore, a civic duty, or perhaps even a source of pride. After all, the very first Blue Box program was started here!

And like most things it takes knowledge and practice to get it right. If you need help to create perfect blue boxes:

or call us at 519-575-4400.

By getting it right, your efforts:

keep recycling boxes and equipment cleaner
make collection quicker, reducing greenhouse gases,
reduce litter, and
result in recyclables that are easier to sell.

So thanks for all you do to sort recyclables into two boxes, empty and rinse containers, bag bags, bundle cardboard, bag or bundle boxboard, bag newspaper and other household paper.

Yard waste collection has started!

Here are links to help you:

Use the correct containers
Put in the correct materials (Remember no stones, litter, dog waste, and dirt!)
Set out on the correct week

FAQs for spring cleaning

Below are answers to three of the most frequently asked searches in Waste Whiz

light bulb disposal
mattresses can be set out as a Bulky Item
how to prepare cardboard (scroll to the bottom of the page)

Climate Action: How to reduce and deal with food waste

Reducing food waste can help reduce greenhouse gases. When landfilled, food waste creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. As well, a lot of water, fuel and other resources in the production, packaging and shipping of food are wasted when food is wasted. And needless to say, getting the most out of your food dollar, makes sense, too!

Preventing and dealing with food waste means being aware of the issues and opportunities, rethinking and monitoring how you do things, and testing out different ways to see what works for you. This can be overwhelming so take it one step at a time. Below and in the sidebar are links to help you.

Make sure you are currently storing food correctly.
Next time you shop for groceries, have a goal to read all labels. Make sure you can use it up in time and whenever possible buy items that are made locally.
When preparing food and cleaning out spoiled food, be mindful to put all food scraps in acceptable liner bags for the green bin. Remove any packaging, stickers and strings.

Ways to reduce food waste

Meal planning

Food Matters Action Kit

How to store food

- from A to Z

What goes in your green bin

Easy Meals that use up leftovers e-cookbook

Foodland Ontario website

Video on what happens to green bin organics

Online course for nutrition labelling

Interactive story about food education in schools

3 things to do this month

Get 'appy!

Download our free Waste Whiz app. It has so many features to help you.

Go for a hike!

Enjoy the Regional forests and trails that are open to the public. And while you are out for a walk or jog, consider leaving it in better shape than how you found it - like picking up any litter. Plastics, cigarette butts and other items many years (sometimes hundreds of years!) to break down. As we say, the only cure for litter is you !

Start backyard composting!

Producing your own compost has many benefits. As supplies last, the Region is offering FREE composters. One per household, first come, first served. Go to our website for details.

We're updating our Official Plan. Have your say on how your would like to see Waterloo Region build and protect our environment.