Changes to what can be left in curbside recycling bins went into effect Monday as Multi-Material B.C. took over recycling services from the city.
New items that can be recycled include milk cartons, aerosol cans, aluminum foil containers, hot and cold drink cups, plastic clamshell containers, and paper packaging coated with wax or plastic.
All other recyclables will continue to be picked up from blue boxes placed at the curb, with the exception of glass.
However, the recycling depot at the Campbell River dump will be expanding to accept not only glass but also styrofoam, plastic bags and film wrap.
The Sun Coast Eco Depot on Maple Street, as well as the Island Return-It Centre on Willow Street will also accept styrofoam and glass under the new changes, as well as paper, cardboard, aluminum and plastic.
The green recycling bins at the Sportsplex and Strathcona Gardens will not take any of those new items but will still accept cardboard, hard plastics and metal containers.
This will also apply to the recycling depot at the old fire hall in Oyster River for the time being.
Koreen Gurak, manager of communications for the Comox Valley Regional District, said people should do most of their recycling by leaving items at the curb in their blue boxes, and use the depots for items that are not being accepted curbside.
“Residents who have access to a curbside recycling program are encouraged to use that convenient service for the majority of their recyclables,” said Gurak in a news release. “The MMBC depots offer a service for those who don’t have access to a curbside program or for residents wanting to recycle materials such as glass and plastic foam packaging.”
For more information on depots and the recyclable materials that will be accepted, visit www.cswm.ca/depots
Residents can also learn more about the changes to recycling in B.C. by visiting www.recyclinginbc.ca
The changes are a result of new provincial legislation introduced by the B.C. government that requires businesses to pay for the disposal of all printed paper and packaging that they produce.
MMBC is a non-profit society which is tasked with disposing of recyclables from those businesses, as well as from residential homes.
Businesses that are required to deal with their recyclables and do not sign up with MMBC or any other stewardship program will be fined by the province.