Recycling in Winnipeg shouldn't be affected much by the Chinese government recycling ban, says Mark Kinsley, supervisor of waste diversion for the City of Winnipeg.

On January 1, China placed a ban on certain plastic and paper recycling imports and they continue to fix the pollution in the country. According to Kinsley, he says that China has been receiving too many contaminated products, which forces them to have extra labour and store garbage in landfills. They have fun out of space.

"China is just trying to do what is best for them," Kinsley said.

While Winnipeg is affected by the ban, it's not a huge cause for concern. It has, however, spurred the City to look into getting more manual sorters and adhering to a stricter guideline when it comes to recycling.

Kinsley says that improvement is needed, especially in paper recycling, which is what Winnipeg sents to China.

Follow recycling guidelines

China's biggest message is that they want stuff they can use, which means non-recyclable products should be weeded out before they are sent. Kinsley says that it starts at home.

"Household paper and cardboard that comes from daily use stationary, from food and beverage containers, right through to newsprint, is all fine," he says.

According to the City of Winnipeg, most paper items are recyclable, provided they don't contain grease, food residue or a wax coating. Glue, tape, staples and envelope windows are OK, though Kinsley says that removing them is still best.

Kinsley says that every municipality and city has their own recycling guidelines and that people should be following those guidelines.

"We're lucky that all of our plastic stays in North America," Kinsley mentioned.

As for needing to burn materials like Halifax did, Kinsley says that Winnipeg is going well and nothing needs to be "burned for now."