Recycling bins on the North Shore could be getting a little fuller with a new plan aimed at the collection of certain recyclable materials.
The Packaging and Printed Paper Stewardship Plan would allow Multi-Material BC, a non-profit organization created under the British Columbia Society Act, complete control of PPP pickup throughout the province, effectively taking the place of local governments by May 2014.
PPP items include everything from paper or plastic carry-out bags, giftwrapping and food wraps, to prescription bottles and disposable plates and cups.
Municipal governments have until Sept. 16 to decide on whether to participate in some capacity with MMBC's new plan that includes curbside collection, multi-family building collection as well as recycling depots. Companies or non-profit organizations that currently collect PPP would be contracted under MMBC. Municipal governments can opt out of MMBC's plan altogether, in which case the government would then continue to provide collection services.
Jennifer Meilleur, communications and community programs coordinator for North Shore Recycling Program, said the deadline is proving to be a challenge for the municipalities, but overall the program is a good move.
"It's making the producers responsible for the full life cycle of their products and that's really exciting," said Meilleur. "Each municipality will be taking recommendations to council and it will be up to each one to kind of make the decision on how to move forward."
Donna Power, spokeswoman for the District of West Vancouver, said the municipality shares the concerns about the early deadline. The issue will be brought to a public council meeting likely in October, according to acting communications director Jeff McDonald.
According to Connie Rabold, communications manager with the City of North Vancouver, the municipalities are still in discussion about the options.
Though there has not been feedback from residents yet, Meilleur said the plan would allow people to include new items in their blue box.
"People will be able to, assuming that a municipality decides to participate in the program, that would mean that their residents would be able to include more things in their blue box and it will be easier to recycle things like plastic bags and Styrofoam as well," said Meilleur.
