Recent coverage regarding contamination reduction efforts in Duncan contained misinformation about the MMBC program. MMBC is a non-profit, with the cost of operating the recycling system covered by member fees. Decisions related to what materials are accepted (or not) are guided not by whether recycling technologies exist to process the materials in B.C., as well as our ability to track and report on end-markets that meet strict environmental criteria. MMBC’s recycling recovery rate is reported and audited annually, which means that British Columbians have a greater transparency into their recycling system than ever before.
Contamination reduction is focused on non-recyclables (i.e. organics, garbage); hazardous waste; and products outside the scope of the residential packaging and printed paper (PPP) recycling program such as garden hoses, toys, construction waste or e-waste. We have contractual agreements in place with all of our collection partners requiring collectors to work towards an agreed upon three per cent contamination level. We are committed to working collaboratively; with penalties being a tool of last resort should a collector not make a good faith effort to reduce contamination.
Depot-only items (e.g. foam packaging, plastic bags) may result in collectors issuing oops stickers, warnings, etc., but do not count against the three per cent contamination target. Residents can help ensure more is recycled by bringing foam packaging, plastic bags and overwrap to Island Return-It (6476 Norcross Rd.) or Bings Creek Recycling Centre (3900 Drinkwater Rd.). These items are readily accepted for recycling in the MMBC program; however, these materials are problematic when co-mingled with other recyclables and recycling outcomes are not very good when picked up at the curb. Bringing them to a depot helps ensure more of all types of materials can be recycled and sold to local end markets. For more information and a complete material list, residents may visit RecyclingInBC.ca.
Allen Langdon
Managing Director
Multi-Material BC
