Question: Any problems with latest changes?

In terms of curbside collection there have been very few issues. We ask that residents don’t place plastic bags, polystyrene foam packaging or glass in their blue bags at this time. Depots have been set up for these items at the Osoyoos Bottle Depot, J&C Bottle Depot and landfills.

There have been issues with setting up recycling depots at landfills mainly due to the strong winds. We are working towards making these depots better over the coming months.

The Oliver Bottle Depot and the collection group Multi-Material BC (MMBC) are both private entities. Unfortunately we can’t make them work together. We have offered to assist them in any set up and education.  Our understanding is that the Oliver Bottle Depot missed the 2014 inclusion date but may be added as a MMBC recycling depot at a later date. The Oliver Bottle depot may be able to provide more information.

MMBC will not impose penalties in the first year (until May 2015). The main contaminates we are seeing are food waste and vinyl plastics we don’t collect. Vinyl plastics include garden hoses, kiddie pools, floaties  and other non-container plastics. We ask that residents only include clean and dry plastic tubs and bottles (including small lids) in their recycling. Residents can contact the RDOS or the Recycling Council of BC at 1-800-667-4321 if they have other types of plastics. Almost all other household plastic is not recyclable. Recycling symbols on the plastic do not make it recyclable and there is no way for the RDOS to stop plastic manufacturers using the recycling symbol on their products.

Cameron Baughen
Solid Waste Management Coordinator
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen