Despite the longer days of summer, it seems we are still squeezing every ounce out of the daylight.
With kids home for the holidays, family vacations and visits from family, recycling bins can get out of control in the wonderful mayhem. Grab a cold glass of your favourite summertime beverage and let’s brush up on all things recycling before the next wave of activity strikes.
Recently, a few additional items were added to the list of accepted material by Recycle BC (the nonprofit that manages much of our household recyclables). As of January, residents are now able to take the following items to recycling depots or place them in their curbside recycling bins: aluminum foil and pie plates, plastic plant pots, plastic single-use cups, plastic food storage containers, plastic straws and stir sticks, plastic utensils, plastic disposable hangers, empty dental floss cases and tape dispensers, paper plates and cups, paper pinatas, paper gift bags, and paper party décor.
Let’s be honest, you may already have been slipping some of these in, not knowing they were technically not accepted, but now you can do so guilt free – just make sure that none of the plastic items are labelled compostable, as these contaminate the recycling, making the recycled plastic pellets a lower quality.
Another significant change you may have already sniffed out on your trips to the recycling depot is that all soft plastics now go in the same depot bin (not in curbside), renamed flexible plastics. We no longer need to separate our bread bags from our sealable sandwich bags and plastic snack wrappers.
A few items that have been added to this now mega category are plastic carry-out bags (tarp-like in consistency), plastic wrap, plastic drop sheets and the odd ball - squishy cushion packaging (similar to pool noodle in feel).
Beyond these new additions, there are some fun-in-the-sun items to review.
Propane tanks, big and small are not to be placed in curbside recycling as this is a recipe for fires and poses a serious hazard to waste management staff. Take these to Augusta Recyclers and alert staff so you can be directed to the appropriate drop off area.
Squeeze tubes that held sun lotion, beauty products, toothpaste or the like, are destined for the garbage once emptied, as these are not accepted by Recycle BC. Poolside plastic toys and inflatable floaties of all kinds should be donated or repaired, as they are otherwise landfill – not recyclable.
If this is a time of year you go through more beverage containers than usual, you may want to sign up for the Return-It Express program. Once you have a (free) account, you receive bag labels in the mail that are connected with your bank account. Drop off unsorted beverage containers in a clear or transparent bag at the Return-It depot on Duncan Street and staff will sort these on your behalf, applying your deposit refund to your account.
Remember that milk and milk substitute containers now have deposits and can be taken to Return-It depots. Whipping cream, coffee additives, drinkable yogurt and meal replacement beverages are only accepted in curbside recycling or at Recycle BC depots and are not eligible for deposit refunds.
Now that this is sorted, go out and play in the sun.
Let’s Talk Trash is contracted by qathet Regional District to deliver its waste reduction education program. For more information, email [email protected] or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
