We’re starting the new year out with some good news in the world of recycling. Some items previously not accepted in depot and curbside recycling are now a part of the Recycle BC program.
BC is already graced with 22 separate recycling programs that include anything from car tires and smoke detectors to used oil. One of these programs is the Recycle BC program, accessible at all local recycling depots and in a more limited fashion at curbside for City of Powell River residents.
Recycle BC already accepts containers, be they metal, plastic or paper: paper (with all plastic removed) at curbside and an additional three categories at depots, including styrofoam, glass and flexible plastics.
In addition to the long list of materials already accepted by Recycle BC, some single-use products and packaging-like products have been added. The main highlights of what has been added, which, let’s be honest, people may innocently have been including already, are: plastic single-use utensils, straws and stir sticks, as long as they aren’t made of compostable plastic; disposable food storage containers purchased as a product (such as reusable leftover storage containers); disposable plastic or paper hangers included with a purchased clothing item; empty plastic tape dispensers; empty plastic dental floss containers; plastic drop sheets for painting or covering items; reusable plastic carry-out bags (often the bags used for grocery shopping); and clean paper, plastic, or foam plates, bowls and cups.
There has also been a change to two categories of recycling formerly known as “Plastic Bags and Overwrap” and “Other Flexible Plastic Packaging.” They will now be joined together into one category called “Flexible Plastics.”
Residents can now place plastic-only flexible snack packaging, such as chip bags, alongside plastic bread bags, woven plastic rice bags, empty standup pouches (for items like detergent) and zipper-locked baggies. This new collection category now includes an item formerly not accepted. Squishy cushion packaging in the form of blocks, packing peanuts or sheets can be added to the flexible plastics bin (not the styrofoam bin at depots as you might expect). Go to RecycledBC.ca for a complete list.
Deciphering what’s in from what’s out can be a head-scratcher, so when in doubt ask depot staff when dropping items off in person.
Residents are also encouraged to get the qathet Waste Wise app, where they can search the Waste Wizard to determine what and where to recycle items from their household. The app also sends reminders to those within the city limits for their garbage and recycling pickup days. If improving waste management skills is on your list for 2023, then this will facilitate those efforts.
All of the above changes have been effective as of January 1, 2023, so start telling all household members and workmates to set these aside for recycling right away. Placing a few friendly reminders of these additionally accepted items near your recycling bin might help get everyone on board.
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.
