Recycling

Starting Feb. 1, consumers will pay a 10 cent deposit for each eligible milk and milk-substitute (oat, almond, soy) beverage container.

The RDN asked residents not to put out any extra waste that does not fit inside their recycling and garbage carts with lids fully closed.

The RDN said it will offer free drop off service at the Church Road Transfer Station in Parksville and the Regional Landfill because of the extended pickup delays.

The most recent service interruption was today (Dec. 30), affecting residents in Errington (Electoral Area F) and the Town of Qualicum Beach.

Five mid-Island organizations will receive grant money to target the recycling of materials not currently part of a stewardship program or an established commercial market and would otherwise end up in the landfill.

Solar panels, e-cigarettes, electric vehicle batteries and chargers are among the products to become eligible for recycling in B.C. as part of the provincial government’s five-year plan to expand recycling.

Organizations have until 12 p.m. on Oct. 11 to apply for funding, according to the RDN.

The RDN is gathering feedback on its Get Involved project page. It will host public webinars on Aug. 19 and Sept. 9 at 10 a.m., as well as private presentations for interested groups.

The vast majority of Canada’s plastic, 86 per cent, ends up in a landfill and one per cent — about 29,000 tons, goes into the environment each year.