For immediate release:
MMBC exceeds recycling targets in first 7.5 months of operations
More than 116,000 tonnes of packaging and printed paper recovered from BC households in 2014
Vancouver, BC (July 1, 2015) – Multi-Material BC (MMBC), an independent, industry-led and financed non-profit organization created to manage residential packaging and printed paper recycling in British Columbia on behalf of such producers, today announced it achieved an 80 per cent recovery rate of its members’ materials in 2014 – exceeding the regulated target of 75 per cent.
The finding is detailed in MMBC’s first Annual Report, which details program results from the first 7.5 months of operations in 2014. The report is available online at http://www.multimaterialbc.ca/annual-report/.
“MMBC is very encouraged by our 2014 results, which demonstrate not only the benefits of an industry-led stewardship program, but also British Columbians’ commitment to recycling,” said Allen Langdon, Managing Director of MMBC. “By creating a harmonized system for the collection, processing and sale of packaging and printed paper materials into end markets, MMBC is delivering more convenient and consistent recycling services to BC residents.”
Among the key highlights of the report:
- In just 7.5 months – from the program’s launch on May 19 to December 31, 2014 – MMBC collected more than 116,000 tonnes of recyclables from households and depots across British Columbia;
- 1.24 million households received curbside and multi-family collection services;
- 20 BC communities are enjoying access to curbside recycling for the very first time;
- By the end of 2014, 96 per cent of BC households could recycle their packaging and printed paper at depots;
- By year’s end, MMBC had directed 93.5 per cent of collected packaging and printed paper to recycling commodity end markets – exceeding the regulated target of 85-90 per cent;
- MMBC finished 2014 in a strong financial position with all expenses covered, debt extinguished and significant progress made towards building the operating reserves needed to provide financial stability for the program’s commitments.
MMBC finances collection of household packaging and printed paper by local governments, First Nations, private companies and non-profits and contracts for processing services to manage what is collected. It is the first full extended producer responsibility (EPR) program of its kind in North America.
MMBC enables British Columbians to recycle new categories of packaging that were not included in many previous curbside or depot recycling programs – including milk cartons, foam polystyrene, plant pots, aluminum foil packaging, plastic film packaging and drink cups.
The Annual Report also features comments from a number of communities who have been working with MMBC in the collection of recyclables since the program’s launch:
“The biggest benefit from participating in the MMBC program is the ability to remain involved and provide direction in the day-to-day operations of curbside recycling and depot operations.” — Peter Rotheisler, Manager of Environmental Services, Regional District of Central Okanagan
“I think the biggest benefit of participating in MMBC’s packaging and printed paper program was the ability to provide recycling services to our residents… It’s been wonderful to be able to provide that access to residents who previously didn’t have it.” — Tera Grady, Supervisor of Solid Waste Management, Cariboo Regional District
MMBC’s post-collection system operated by Green by Nature (GBN) employs over 750 British Columbians and represents millions of dollars of investment in a new container recycling facility in New Westminster, which began operating in 2015. The facility is specifically designed and built to meet the demands of the province’s recycling growth, using the latest technology available in the recycling industry and maximizing sorting efficiency, recovery and the quality of recovered products.
About Multi-Material BC
In May 2011, BC’s Recycling Regulation was updated to include packaging and printed paper. The regulation shifts the responsibility for managing the residential recycling of packaging and printed paper from regional and municipal governments and their taxpayers to business. Multi-Material BC (MMBC) is a non-profit industry-led and financed organization that assumed responsibility for managing residential packaging and printed paper recycling on behalf of industry in May 2014.
Media inquiries:
Elisha McCallum, FleishmanHillard Canada
778-668-0185 / elisha.mccallum@fleishman.ca