If you’re looking to get your industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) packaging picked up by the qathet Regional District you might need to hold off until alternatives are available.
According to the district, recycling of packaging and paper products at their recycling depot has been discontinued due to their special license expiring. They add until further notice businesses are being asked to do the unthinkable.
“This means many paper, plastic, foam and glass items businesses are used to recycling must go in the garbage,” the district says.
They say they’re one of 200 depots currently operating with special permission to include ICI recycling; that is, until now.
“Recycle BC notified the qRD that this permission would be revoked, as ICI falls outside of the scope of mandate,” the district says.
REcycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for more than 99% of BC’s packaging and paper recycling programs.
Manager of environmental services Jason Kouwenhoven says while the situation might seem a bit unorthodox the district is still encouraging everyone to recycle where they can.
“Recycling from businesses is managed differently than recycling from home, even if it’s the same material,” he says. “For now, businesses are encouraged to continue recycling products through the programs that are still available in our region.
“They continue to have access to recycling programs for organics, corrugated cardboard, refundable containers, used oil, electronics, batteries, lightbulbs, appliances, metal, tires and paint.”
The district says they’re encouraging businesses to reach out to the premier and their MLA to express concerns with the service change.
