Dear editor,
Recent initiatives from the Province have changed the way recycling works across B.C.
For years, all the "eco fees" we have been paying at point of purchase (batteries, lightbulbs, paint, etc.) has gone to the provincial government. Now, under Multi Materials BC, this money will come back in form of rebates to help local government with recycling.
Under the new model, recycling centres must be fenced, lit, gated, manned, maintained and insured. They must be located on property that is either owned or leased by local government.
The days of a few bins at the back end of your local supermarket are quickly drawing to a close.
The recent referendum for unified district garbage and recycling pickup would have also qualified for rebates from MMBC. In addition, under the new model, the system would have taken glass, styrofoam and "film" plastics that are not allowed under the current system.
Royston, where the CVRD contracted the garbage pickup contract, will soon get almost $40,000 back from MMBC, which will reduce the costs to homeowners even further.
The City of Courtenay and Village of Cumberland, both of which contract their services, are going to see big savings as well.
Yes, this program is a game-changer, but it will be nice to be able to get a bit of the "eco fees" back that we have all being paying all these years.
Edwin Grieve,
Comox Valley
Editor's note: Edwin Grieve is the Comox Valley Regional District's Area C director.