It’s become more convenient for Lumby area residents to recycle.
Venture Training has opened a depot on Miller Street and it will collect items not included in Multi-Material B.C.’s curbside collection program.
“Anyone with glass or other items will not have to take them to the landfill (depot) or Vernon anymore,” said Lori Mindnich, a Lumby councillor.
Since MMBC began, there had been a concern that communities such as Lumby did not have the ability to get rid of glass bottles, plastic bags and plastic foam packaging which are not allowed in curbside containers.
However, MMBC recently approved a depot in Armstrong and Venture Training’s outlet in Lumby is next.
“The addition of the depot in Lumby expands packaging and printed paper recycling options to North Okanagan residents,” said Allen Langdon, MMBC managing director.
“We are pleased to be making it easier for residents to recycle more.”
The Venture Training depot in Lumby will also accept newsprint, cardboard, household papers, metal containers, electronic waste, light fixtures, batteries, light bulbs and bottles and cans.
Langdon was in the North Okanagan meeting with local politicians Monday.
Among the concerns raised was the size of the curbside bins and the challenges some residents, and particularly seniors, have lifting them.
“There is the ability for residents to request smaller containers,” said Langdon, adding that the smaller bins are two-thirds of the size of the larger containers.
Another issue that arose is the design of the bins.
“I was surprised they weren’t wheeled and have lids,” said Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, of recycled material sitting out in the rain and snow.
“Other communities have that.”
However, Langdon says other jurisdictions had wheeled and covered containers before MMBC began and those containers have remained in use.
“Bins are used in a lot of other communities and they seem to work well,” he said.
