During the warmer months, it’s a great time to look at recycle, compost and garbage. We’re out in the garden more and we’ve needed to mow the lawn more often so we have a lot more garden wastes. Also, we’ve been cooking outdoors in the backyard more often.
The number of rodents or more specifically racoons who want to have at our garbage has become common issue which is not going away or is being replaced by new racoon families when one racoon family is relocated. Or, in many cases, the original family makes their way back to the neighbourhood.
Let’s take a look at some garage renovation solutions which can help you keep the waste down, the rodents out and divert more towards composting. To do this, we’ll need to manage the recycle, the compost as well as garbage whether in the garage or the backyard.
Reducing and Eliminating Waste Around the House
As homeowners, we’re not the only ones looking at managing various types of waste. Now, the City of Toronto is aiming for zero long term waste over 30 to 50 years. In keeping with moving towards this zero waste goal, let’s look at some ways to reduce household waste:
- Avoid buying excess packaging
- Use refillable or reusable containers
- Bring your own bags to shop
- Do your research before buying items so you’re buying durable quality items instead of disposable ones
- Purchase or make your own cleaners which are less harmful to the environment
- Bring your hazardous waste to a depot
- Repair and reuse items instead of just throwing them away.
- Donate slightly used items for a good cause.
- Recycle as much as possible if you can’t reuse or reduce
- Compost food and yard waste to keep the lawn lush and green.
Typically, up to half of the waste around our homes is compostable so a composter in the backyard is an ideal way of handling organics. Otherwise, taking full advantage of the green bin organic recycling program in your city or town is the best way to look after organic products.
Garage Storage Options for Recycle, Garbage and Hazardous Waste
The garage is the best place to store the blue bin, the new next generation green bin and garbage bins. It’s just a
matter of planning out a space for them whether it is shelves, a space under a platform or cabinets to hide them from sight.
Often, a spot planned close to the door from the house to the garage is ideal for convenience and ease of access. Here are a few examples of garage interior designs of blue bin, green bin and waste storage.
Getting the kids into a vermicomposting project can be an educational and fun project. These types of composters can be placed in the garage where it is closest to the house and easy to dispose of food waste.
Of course, plan a spot for hazardous waste which is out of reach of young children. Before you’re able to get to the depot with your hazardous waste items, a temporary storage area which is high and / or hidden away from little hands is an important priority for the family.
Backyard Options for Compost and Recycling
When looking at your garage renovation and the things you need to store inside your garage, sometimes, it’s necessary to move recycle and compost bins to the backyard. Storage bins can keep the yard looking neat and organized while keeping the critters out of bins and making a mess.
Because garages tend to stay cooler, garbage bins work best in the garage as opposed to out in the backyard under the sun during summer. Prioritize recycled and compost materials to be stored outdoors in the backyard. Even worm composters work better indoors where it is slightly warmer in winter and easier to maintain a steady environment for the worms to do their job.
Garage Renovations with Waste Management in Mind
When you’re considering your next garage renovation, keep composting, recycle and even hazardous waste in mind. It’s important to plan a space for these items for safety and for successful strategies to reduce waste going to landfills.
Get a complimentary consultation from our garage renovation specialists to manage waste bins as well as other garage storage challenges of items around the home.
