January 1/08: New Recycling and Disposal Restrictions Effective January 1, 2008 ...

Metro Vancouver and member municipalities are committed to reducing waste in the region. Earlier this year the Metro Vancouver Board adopted a Zero Waste Challenge. The Zero Waste Challenge has two goals: to minimize the generation of garbage and to maximize reuse, recycling and energy recovery from used material. “Metro Vancouver has to dispose of three million tonnes of garbage annually generated by residents and business in the lower mainland.” said Metro Vancouver Director and Surrey City Councillor Marvin Hunt. “Because of the environmental and economic costs of handling this material, reducing the amount of solid waste is important.”

As of January 1, 2008 the following materials are now banned or restricted from the garbage. They are either recyclable or hazardous and must be recycled or disposed of safely at specific locations. Do not put them in the garbage at home or at work.

• blue box recyclables including glass, metal and plastic containers
• yard and garden waste
• all beverage containers (except milk)
• lead-acid (car) batteries
• medications/pharmaceuticals
• paint, solvents, flammable liquids, gasoline and pesticides
• vehicle tires for cars and small trucks
• motor oil, oil filters and empty containers
• electronic waste (personal computers and printers, televisions, and keyboards)
• corrugated cardboard
• newsprint
• office paper
• gypsum drywall (gyprock)

Contact the Recycling Council of BC (RCBC) or your municipality for options on recycling or safe disposal. Call 604-RECYCLE(604-732-9253) or visit www.rcbc.bc.ca

For businesses, contact your waste hauler directly or Metro Vancouver’s Business Services Group at 604-451-6575 or the Recycling Council of BC at 604-732-9253.

For more information on this and other waste reduction initiatives, visit www.metrovancouver.org or call the Metro Vancouver Information Centre at 604-432-6200.