Recycling plan moves ahead

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 4, 2014 at 1:00 AM
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.
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Don Quixote Note: My concern actually was plastic wrapping (For instances a 4 pack of Batteries.) Apparently the plastic part of the wrapping is only recyclable if it has a recycle number on it and as this small part of the packing doesn't- you would have to drop it off at a recycling depot or toss it in the garbage.

The $1.51 ($18.12 Annually  - $4.53 per quarter) is part of your recycling fee charged on your quarterly bill in the City of Vernon. The quarterly charge of $8.78 includes this $4.53 for recycling with the balance being for the spring Chipping Program and the Spring and Fall Clear Bag Leaf program. (Coldstream will be having a special meeting Monday to reduce their annual charge to residents from $20.33 to $7.37 for 2014.  (A $12.96 reduction).)
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Please note, plastic shrink or stretch wrap, crinkly cellophane wrap, zipper-lock bags, plastic shipping envelopes, compostable or biodegradable plastic bags, multi-layer or laminated film, bubble wrap, and lumber wrap are not accepted for recycling.

MMBC MATERIALS LIST
Shredded paper accepted if inside a firmly tied, clear, plastic bag (no opaque, coloured or black bags).