It’s the one question that confuses every homeowner when it comes to cleaning house: what is the difference between garbage and junk?
On a simplified level, the difference between the two is the destination. Garbage is sent to municipal landfills, while junk can be repurposed for new people or recycled at particular handling sites.
Reading the above, it seems that’s enough of a disparity. However, when taking a more in-depth look, especially when considering garbage and junk removal in Calgary, there are substantial differences.
Examining Why Clutter Causes Stress
Yet Another Task
What is Garbage?
Superficially, garbage is any material that goes into the landfill. Examples include food packaging, foam containers, personal hygiene products and cleaning and maintenance items (anything that would normally go into the municipal black cart.)
Significantly, garbage is a waste that contributes to the severe environmental impacts of municipal landfills. According to Earth Day, garbage at landfills can:
- Affect local wildlife ecosystems
- Release methane gas, which contains dangerous levels of carbon dioxide, and therefore contributes to climate change, and;
- Affect public health and our wellbeing.
Similarly to junk, removing garbage requires specific processes.
What is Junk?
Junk usually refers to “possessions” that a person doesn’t want or need anymore with classic examples, including broken instruments, a used car or an old TV.
While it no longer has any value to the current owner, it does not mean that it does not need to go to the landfill – yet. It can be repurposed to someone else who can find value in it, such as a used car or an old TV.
However, if deemed invaluable, the junk has to be recycled properly, so that it’s materials can be reused for future products.
How Does It Impact Garbage & Junk Removal in Calgary?
As discussed above, garbage is dumped at municipal landfills across Calgary. As such, the City of Calgary handles garbage removal by assigning dates for collecting it. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the differences between specific garbage, such as papers and food scraps, and just put everything into the trash can. It’s best if the waste can be separated and disposed of properly.
For example, papers can be recycled at facilities while certain food scraps can be composted for gardens and landscape areas. It can be tricky, though, to tell what can be reused and what can’t.
On the other hand, junk requires a particular kind of removal, depending on the product or material.
For example, electronic appliances are unique items that require safe disposal compared to furniture. For the former, you need specific electronics disposal in Calgary as these products require a unique process to break down materials. The metals from electronic goods can either be reused in the future or have to be eliminated entirely, so it does not impact the environment.
The Confusion Over Garbage & Junk Removal in Calgary
Knowing the differences between junk and garbage will help you deal with the stuff you want to get rid of effectively. However, sometimes it still can be confusing to know what and how you should dispose of your waste.
If you are confused about the differences and need more information, The Junk Movement can advise on how to handle your clean-up. Whether you think you have garbage or junk, it doesn’t matter, The Junk Movement can take it all, as we specialize in sorting out waste and ensuring that it is all correctly disposed of.
The Junk Movement is committed to making junk removal in Calgary easy. Our mission is to optimize junk removal by putting the money we collected from recycling back into the community. Whether it’s for furniture or garbage removal in Calgary, our company is eco-conscious, sustainable, transparent and believes in good value. Our team is friendly and will be happy to assist you with all your junk and waste removal in Calgary. From residents to commercial clients, for a company that cares about your waste, trust The Junk Movement.
