Spallumcheen’s former mayor has asked the township for support in asking the province to reconsider the Multi-Materials B.C. (MMBC) recycling plan.
Will Hansma, owner-operator of the Okanagan Advertiser newspaper, said the new regulations were established with little or no consultation with stakeholders.
He believes the plan will be a severe detriment to the print and wood fibre industries.
“There was no consultation with members of the printing industry, industry association or any of the large paper merchants which supply the paper needs in the province,” said Hansma.
The MMBC program is slated to begin in May, though Hansma believes “it is flawed in every aspect.”
“It does not adequately consider the administrative burden it will cause,” he said. “It does not consider materials coming into the province directly through the mail system, creating gaps in the assessment of total volume going into the residential waste system.”
Hansma called wood fibre B.C.’s “only truly renewable and sustainable natural resource it has to offer the global economy.”
“It’s a natural product and does not pollute our environment,” he said. “We should rather be focused on the removal of plastic from our packaging industry and everyday use.”
Coun. Todd York is not a fan of the MMBC plan. He called for a letter to support Hansma’s request.
“I would like us to ask the province to reconsider the MMBC legislation until there is further feedback from B.C. stakeholders,” said York, who also wanted questions about recording and auditing procedures ironed out and put in the motion.
York also asked for the legislation to be delayed until there is a clearer picture on what impact MMBC will have on the consumer and recycling industry.
Council unanimously supported the motion.
Hansma will also seek support from Enderby and Armstrong councils.
