qathet Regional District searching for new options to support regional Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Recycling

qathet, BC – The qathet Regional District (qRD) is reminding residents that our special- license to collect Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) packaging and paper products (PPP) recycling has been discontinued. Starting August 1st, 2024, all qathet Regional District recycling depots will only be allowed by Recycle BC to accept residential PPP recycling.

 

Recycle BC, the non-profit organization and provincial contractor responsible for managing residential packaging and paper recycling in BC, previously allowed the qRD to collect industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sector recycling at one of our depots. This arrangement was unique, with only six locations, other than ours, in BC, authorized to collect ICI recycling through the residential program. This means that many paper, plastic, foam, and glass items businesses are used to recycling must go in the garbage for the short-term.

 

“We understand that there is confusion and frustration amongst our community regarding Recycle BC’s decision to discontinue our special license to continue to collect ICI recycling,” said Chair Clay Brander. “The qRD remains committed to Zero Waste, and is doing everything we can to find an alternative.”

 

The provincial government is currently working on a province-wide solution for ICI recycling, and in the interim, the qRD is searching for a region-specific solution that we hope to implement as soon as possible. Staff will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

 

In the meantime, the qRD is encouraging businesses, institutions, and affected individuals to contact the Premier, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Member of the Legislative Assembly to share their concerns about this service change and to request a new ICI recycling program in our region.

 

Contacts:

 

Office of the Premier: premier@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

MLA Constituency Office: (604) 485-1249

 

 

Background:

 

Below is a list of some of the other materials accepted from the ICI sector for recycling, and where they can be returned to:

 

Organics: Sunshine Disposal and Recycling

Used motor vehicle oil: Sunshine Disposal and Recycling

Electronics, batteries, lightbulbs, pens, and small appliances: Resource Recovery Centre Recycle Depot

Refundable beverage containers: Sunset Coast Bottle Depot

Metal, tires, large appliances, and paint: Augusta Recyclers

Corrugated cardboard: (contact Sunshine Disposal and Recycling for private service)

 

 

More information surrounding the changes to ICI PPP changes is available below:

 

July 18, 2024 ICI PPP Media Release: https://www.qathet.ca/2024/07/18/qathet-regional-district-unable-to-continue-industrial-commercial-and-institutional-recycling-at-town-centre-recycling-depot-as-of-august-1-2024/

 

June 26, 2024 qRD Staff Report: https://qathetrd.civicweb.net/document/165697/

 

Provincial Discussion Paper on ICI PPP: Preventing Waste in British Columbia: Non-residential Packaging & Paper Products

 

 

About the qathet Regional District:

 

The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.

 

 

 

qRD CONTACT:

Patrick Devereaux, General Manager of Operational Services

#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue

Powell River, BC V8A 2L2

P: 604∙485∙2260 | E: administration@qathet.ca