The City Of Nelson’s recycling will be collected in blue bins (not blue bags) starting this summer - other than that, the recycling program remains the same.
Why are we moving from blue bags to blue bins?
• Across the province, Recycle BC is no longer accepting recycling in blue bags.
• The City of Nelson is working with Recycle BC and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to make the transition to blue bins.
Who does what?
• City of Nelson – collects residential recycling on behalf of Recycle BC
• RDCK – operates the recycling transfer stations on behalf of Recycle BC
• Recycle BC – overarching body responsible for the beneficial use of residential packaging and paper product recycling in the province.
Who is Recycle BC?
Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout British Columbia. They provide recycling services either directly to communities or by working in partnership with local governments, First Nations, private companies, and other non-profit organizations. Approximately 186,000 tonnes of packaging and paper products are collected annually from over 1.8 million households (or over 98% of BC).
Why is it important to recycle?
Historically, landfills were being filled with recyclable materials which consume valuable landfill space. In addition, when products are dumped in a landfill, the energy used to produce them is lost. Recycling helps us recover some of this energy, and in turn, reduces our greenhouse gas emissions.
When will the blue bins be delivered?
• Residents receiving collection from the City will be delivered a lidded 121-litre blue recycling container during the month of June 2020 to be used for recyclables.
When will blue bins be required?
• For the collection week starting on Monday, June 29, 2020, place your loose recyclable materials in the blue bin as blue bags will no longer be accepted. Do NOT Iine the bin with a bag.
Why now?
Recycle BC will no longer accept recycling in single use blue bags as of this summer.
Here’s what you need to know:
How much will the container hold?
• The 121 litre container will hold the contents of 2 to 4 average blue bags, depending on how well recycling in the blue bin is packed.
• Flattening containers, milk jugs and cardboard will save space.
• Larger pieces of corrugated cardboard boxes should be flattened, cut down to a reasonable size (2’ x 3’ approx), bundled and set beside the blue bin.
Can residents get more than one container?
• The City is providing one bin per residence that receives collection.
• One bin should be sufficient for most households.
• Homes with a legal suite will be receiving an extra bin.
• Residents requiring more than one bin can contact our Green Ambassador for more information (info below).
What if the property is a short or long term rental?
• Please contact our Green Ambassador.
• We ask that landlords make their tenants/ renters aware of the switch to blue bins.
Be sure to label your bin.
• Write your street address on the blue bin with a permanent marker.
Planning to move?
• The blue bin stays with the property.
Will other bins be allowed?
• At this time, no other blue bin styles will be accepted.
What can go in the blue bin?
• WHAT YOU CAN RECYCLE HAS NOT CHANGED . Materials that can go in the blue bin are the same as what can be placed in the blue bag.
• Further information about the bin and recycling collection will be inside the bin when it’s delivered to you.
• More information will be available on the City’s website at nelson.ca/waste.
Collection Schedule
• The Waste & Recycling Collection Schedule that was provided to each residence earlier this year has NOT changed. Visit nelson.ca/waste to view collection schedule.
• Garbage and recycling is collected at the same time.
For questions on recycling:
• The BC Recycling Hotline at 1-800-667-4321
• The City’s Green Ambassador
- (250) 352-8102
- gambassador@nelson.ca
Thank you for doing your part in keeping recyclables out of the landfill.