Regional District of North Okanagan directors have unanimously passed three motions related to reducing and diverting waste from the RDNO’s landfills.
The motions, passed at the committee of the whole meeting Dec. 12, and which will be brought back for official adoption in 2019, request:
* That staff be directed to develop a bylaw, including a review of similar bylaws implemented in Victoria and Salmon Arm, banning single-use plastics;
* That staff be directed to investigate waste to energy opportunities for solid waste management;
* That staff be directed to undertake a request for proposal process for recycling opportunities at all RDNO Recycling and Disposal Facilities.
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The motions came after the RDNO’s contractor gave notice that they would no longer pick up the commingled items from the recycling drop centres located at the landfills and transfer stations, effectively discontinuing the program.
The change came after the end markets that buy recycling set unattainably low levels for acceptable contamination.
“We put the comingled recycling drop centre program in place at our landfills and transfer stations with the intention for them to work effectively, and while they were for years, the market has changed, and we have to adapt to it,” said board chairperson Kevin Acton, Mayor of Lumby.
“It’s clear that changes in world recycling markets are affecting more than just the landfills in the North Okanagan, so we are considering solutions for the short- and long-term. We want to plan for our future by rethinking, reducing and reusing.”
Curbside recycling and recycling depots remain unchanged by the RDNO’s change in service.
Staff will report back to the board with recommendations on the three motions in 2019.
RELATED: Nine-year-old launches recycling business in northwest B.C.
Quick Facts:
* Curbside recycling pick up will operate as normal as the RDNO does not provide this service;
* Comingled materials that are not accepted after Jan. 1, 2019, including printed paper, paper packaging, aluminium containers, tin containers, cartons and paper cups, plastic containers, styrofoam and glass containers;
* RDNO will still accept clean, flattened, old corrugated cardboard at RDNO landfills and transfer stations;
* The RDNO still accepts garbage, wood waste, yard and garden waste, construction and demolition waste, drywall, logs and stumps, mattresses/box springs, propane tanks, refrigerated appliances, scrap metal;
* By downloading the Recyclepedia app, people can easily find recycling depots near them. Find it in the App Store and on Google Play.
roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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