A new recycling model appears unavoidable.
Regional District of North Okanagan staff told Vernon council Monday that there’s no backing away from Multi Material B.C., which has been mandated by the government to take over residential recycling services from local jurisdictions.
“RDNO is out of the curbside collection business May 16,” said Dale Danallanko, RDNO’s recycling and disposal facilities operations manager.
While some business groups have lobbied the government to delay or cancel the MMBC model, Danallanko says even if that occurred, RDNO would not fill the void because the contracts it had with companies to collect recycling will soon expire.
“MMBC is happening May 19. If issues arise out of the MMBC program, don’t call the regional district, it’s not our program.”
MMBC is a stewardship group of retailers and producers that will take over collection and recycling of packaging under provincial regulations. Instead of clear bags, single-family residents will be given two plastic bins for curbside collection.
“On a windy recycling day, there will be a huge problem with newspapers flying around,” said Brian Quiring, a Vernon councillor.
Another container, such as a box, can be used for excess material.
Apartment buildings are not covered by MMBC’s mandate and they must make arrangements with a hauler for collection.
Plastic bags will not be allowed in the MMBC boxes and must be taken to two drop-off collection sites in Vernon, but Coun. Bob Spiers doubts that will occur.
“It’s going to end up in the garbage can I’m sorry to say,” he said.
New items collected by MMBC will include disposable coffee cups and aerosal cans.
“We encourage residents to become aware of what can be diverted and recycled,” said Danallanko.
Through the RDNO program, the City of Vernon was charged $1.51 per month per household for recycling.
“It’s a service that will no longer be provided that the city will no longer be charged for,” said Danallanko.
