However, Halton residents had all better get used to doing just that.

In this day and age, recycling has become not only necessary, but mandatory, and Halton Region residents should be prepared to enter a new era of trash collection in the very near future.

Starting this week, and continuing until April 5, Halton Region workers will be distributing GreenCarts and a Kitchen Catcher (a small bin to collect organic waste in the kitchen), an information package and a sample of certified compostable bags, to all residents in Halton Region who receive curbside garbage collection.

The GreenCart must be used to collect kitchen food waste (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, pasta, fats and oils) and compostable paper (coffee filters, flour bags, paper coffee cups). This waste will be used to create valuable compost material that can be used in landscaping, agriculture and restoration projects. The trash diverted from the regional landfill site will help extend the site's lifespan. Failure to use the GreenCart for its prescribed purpose will mean your trash will not be collected -- it's as simple as that.

Along with the GreenCart, are major changes to garbage collection in Halton which will include weekly pickup of Blue Box materials (papers and containers will now be allowed in the same Blue Box) and regular garbage collection will occur every other week with a six-bag limit.

If you are not already doing your part for the environment, you had better start now. Gone are the days of tossing all your garbage into a trash bag. To find out more about the GreenCart distribution, including the upcoming waste collection changes, contact Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833 or visit www.halton.ca.