New bins include receptacles for mixed paper and containers
Recycling in Vancouver’s West End just got easier. Multi-Material BC (MMBC), in partnership with the City of Vancouver and with support from the West End Business Improvement Association and MMBC’s members, has launched a new on-street recycling pilot project aimed at reducing litter and the amount of waste that goes to landfill by encouraging residents and visitors to recycle packaging and printed paper. The program will see 31 new recycling stations located on Denman, Robson and Davie Streets, and Second Beach in Stanley Park.
A map of the new recycling bin locations is available at RecyclingInBC.ca.
“MMBC recognizes the need to test and assess the viability of out-of-home recycling options,” said Allen Langdon, Managing Director of MMBC. “Our aim is to find options to make recycling easier, and ensure we divert more material away from landfills to be made into new products.”
“This pilot represents a step forward for the City, MMBC and product producers, who have been working together to find creative solutions to reduce the number of recyclables that end up in our landfill,” said Albert Shamess, Director of Waste Management and Resource Recovery at the City of Vancouver. “This initiative supports our zero waste goal as part of the Greenest City Action Plan and demonstrates our commitment to partner with government and industry on recycling programs.”
The pilot is supported by an educational campaign that includes posters in local businesses, and advertisements in transit shelters near the new receptacles.
The majority of the recycling stations will have three adjoined receptacles: one for mixed paper recycling, one for containers recycling, and one for garbage. Select locations will offer compostable organics recycling.
BIN BREAKDOWN:
- mixed paper bin to recycle items like newspapers, flyers, paper bags, and paper coffee sleeves
- bin for recyclable containers such as hot or cold drink cups, plastic take-out containers, and other beverage containers
- organics bin for food scraps, food-soiled paper containers, and napkins (select locations)
- garbage bin for items that cannot be recycled such as multi-laminates like potato chip bags
“As a vibrant destination for both visitors and locals, the West End unfortunately sees too many recyclable items end up in the trash or on the streets as litter,” said Stephen Regan, Executive Director of the West End BIA. “This on-street recycling pilot program is taking recycling in a new direction, and we’re excited about the potential for this pilot to increase recycling and keep litter off our streets.”
The pilot project will gather information and data that will inform long-term plans for improving recycling in public spaces.
Did you know?
Since MMBC’s launch in 2014, British Columbians can now 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, and hot and cold drink cups. In 2015, MMBC collected 186,509 tonnes of packaging and printed paper, or 43.6 kg per capita, across British Columbia.
Media Contact:
Kelly Furey, kelly.furey@fleishman.ca, 604-688-2505
