Get ready, Vancouver, because some major recycling updates are on the horizon! A significant shift is about to take place in how we manage our recyclables, especially for those living in apartments and condos.
Recycle BC, the organization responsible for residential recycling in British Columbia, has announced a transition in recycling collection services for multi-unit dwellings. Starting February 16, two new contractors, Recycling Alternative and Emterra Environmental, will take over the recycling collection in Vancouver. This change affects all areas of the city, with Recycling Alternative servicing the downtown and False Creek region, and Emterra Environmental covering the rest.
But here's where it gets controversial: the previous service provider, Waste Management of Canada Corp., has been collecting recyclables from multi-unit residential buildings since 2016. Recycle BC expresses gratitude for this long-term partnership and looks forward to the new contractors' involvement. They state that both new contractors may reach out to the participating properties to ensure a smooth transition, which is a crucial step to maintain efficient recycling practices.
And this is the part most people miss: a new colored bin, specifically a pink cart, will be introduced to apartments and condos. This change brings an exciting development - the ability to recycle flexible plastics directly into these new bins! Examples of flexible plastics include plastic bags, certain types of packaging, crinkly wrappers, and protective cushioning. However, this service is exclusive to apartments and condos with pink carts. Other Vancouver buildings and residences will need to drop off their flexible plastics at a recycling depot.
Currently, only West Vancouver and Maple Ridge in Metro Vancouver offer curbside flexible plastics recycling. The question remains: will this program expand to all Vancouver residents and other cities in the region? There's no clear indication yet.
To qualify for the apartments and condos service, a property must be residential with more than five units and have a centralized waste collection area. If it's a mixed-use property with both residential and commercial units, waste collection areas must be separated, or commercial units can arrange collection outside of Recycle BC's program.
So, Vancouverites, get ready for these exciting changes and stay tuned for more updates! What are your thoughts on this recycling revolution? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
