Minimize Waste During the Holidays and Practice Safe Asbestos Disposal: A Guide to Responsible Waste Management

The holidays are a time to come together and celebrate with family, but it’s also a time where our garbage and recycling increases. In this case, it’s also a time to take a look at what you already own. When decluttering, it’s important to know how to practice safe asbestos disposal in the case that you do find items that you suspect might be contaminated.

Although the vast majority of the world already produces too much waste year-round, holiday waste is an increasingly big problem. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can minimize waste and safely dispose of asbestos should you come across it.

Holiday Waste Reduction: Tips for a Greener and Safer Celebration

Reuse wrapping items from things previously gifted to you. Reuse bows, ribbons and wrapping paper where it is salvageable. There is no need to purchase a new ribbon if what you already have can be reused.

Use the tablecloths and napkins that you already have and avoid buying single-use holiday-themed napkins, paper plates and tablecloths.

Use reusable china during the holidays – avoid buying paper or plastic items that will be thrown away after just one use.

Cancel magazine subscriptions and catalogues by calling their customer service number. This means your mailbox will no longer be littered with weekly paper catalogues that pile up and don’t serve you.

Make use of delivery boxes by saving them and using them for a shipment of your own, whether you’re sending gifts to family that lives far away or are planning on moving. Don’t trash boxes that are in good working order.

Gift experiences rather than physical possessions. Give family members gift cards to spas, massages, their favourite restaurant or an overnight stay in a hotel where they can be tourists in their own city.

Minimizing Electronic Holiday Waste

Opt for LED holiday lights that are energy-efficient and reduce energy use.

Recycle old lights that don’t work.

Recycle old electronics at your local big-box electronics store – most of them have a program where you can take in your old computers, keyboards, mouses or other items to be recycled.

Practice Safe Asbestos Disposal

If you come across old vintage ornaments, fireproof gloves, miniature houses or other holiday-related items or otherwise that you suspect might be contaminated with asbestos, it’s important to safely dispose of them.

Call us and describe the item you see: Is it crystallized? Does it appear to have fibres that look like hardened cotton candy? Do you have fake snow that was manufactured before the ’80s?

Contact your local authority to learn about how to safely dispose of asbestos.

Schedule a consultation and have us come into your home to take a sample to be tested at a lab. At the presence of asbestos, we will come up with a safe and efficient action plan to clear your home and ensure safe asbestos disposal.