The new Recycle BC Depot officially opened at the Kimberley Transfer Station this week, giving residents the opportunity to recycle more than 70 types of items.
The Recycle BC Depot was made possible through an agreement with the Regional District of East Kootenay and Recycle BC, and opened on Monday, March 4, 2019. RDEK staff are onsite this week to assist with sorting recyclables and providing more information.
READ MORE: New recycling program to be piloted at Kimberley Transfer Station
RDEK Board Chair for Recycle BC Rob Gay says that the addition of the Recycle BC Depot at the Kimberley Transfer Station is “very exciting”.
“For over two and a half years the Recycle BC Advisory Committee has been trying to bring a Recycle BC Depot to the East Kootenay. This [Kimberley] is the first place and we hope to see more of them around the region soon,” said Gay. “This depot really does two things. One, it reduces the cost of recycling for taxpayers and two, it increases the number of options for recycling.”
He adds that the implementation of the Recycle Depot will help to encourage communities like Kimberley to transition to curb-side recycling in the long-term.
Loree Duczek, Communications Manager for the RDEK, says that well over 76 items will be recycled through the new program, which is separate from the yellow bin program.
“There are a few things that have changed with this new system, which will require a bit more organization, but allows things that were not previously recyclable to now be recycled,” said Duczek.
Some of those items include styrofoam, plastic bags and flexible packaging (such as ziplock bags).
“All of the bins are labelled with the specific items that can be accepted,” explained Duczek. “For example, there is one bin for cardboard and one for plastic and metal. With the yellow bin program, all of those items are thrown in together.”
READ MORE: RDEK persuing agreement with Recycle BC
Previously, only items with #1-6 were accepted, however Duczek says now even items with no number can be recycled. Plastic bags are accepted, as well as overwrap (the plastic packaging around paper towels or toilet paper). You can also recycle flexible packaging such as dog food bags, some food packaging and plastic mesh bags (typically used for oranges or avocados).
Styrofoam will also be accepted in two categories: one for plain white styrofoam, and one for printed or coloured styrofoam.
Glass is also accepted through the program, however Duczek does advise residents to ensure that metal lids are removed from jars, and plastic pieces, such as the spout in an olive oil bottle, be removed as well. Glass is also still accepted through the Bottle Depot.
“This opens up way more opportunities for recycling here in Kimberley and we’re excited to roll it out,” said Duczek.
corey.bullock@kimberleybulletin.com
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