December 9, 2008
The busy holiday season is once again upon us, and it is time when consumption
increases and results in an increase in the amount of waste generated.
Discarded Styrofoam, plastic, paper, and food are particularly high.
Waste Reduction Suggestions:
- Reuse wrapping paper, bags, and boxes
- Add your own flare to gifts by using cloth and other reusable items
- Collect bows, ribbons and tissue paper for reuse, as they are not
recyclable
- Recycle traditional wrapping paper (No metallic paper or tissue paper)
- Give homemade treats and gifts and reduce packaging
- Continue to compost over the winter. The freeze thaw process helps to
break down the material.
Remember that reducing the amount of waste can also save you money.
Holiday Season Energy Reduction
Many energy conscious citizens are choosing to replace older, energy inefficient
strings of incandescent lights with new, efficient strings of light emitting diode
(LED) lights. Replacing incandescent lights with LED lights is a great way to
reduce energy consumption.
Christmas Light String Recycling
In addition, residents can recycle the old strings, free of charge at all Regional
District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Recycling and Disposal Facilities. “If you are replacing your old, inefficient Christmas lights with new, energy
efficient LED lights, please do not put them in the garbage or in your blue bag,”
requests Karmen Peace, RDNO Waste Reduction Coordinator. “These strings
contain recyclable metal, and will be accepted for recycling.” Old strings will also
be accepted at Venture Training Centre at 4240 Alexis Park Drive in Vernon.
PLEASE remove the glass or plastic bulbs before you drop off your old strings of
Christmas lights. The bulbs could be reused for craft projects or placed in the
garbage for disposal. Look for the marked bin at the entrance to the Venture
Training Centre and if you are recycling at the Recycling and Disposal Facilities,
the scale attendant will direct you to the appropriate area.
Strings and other recyclables may be dropped off at the following Regional
District of North Okanagan Recycling & Disposal Facilities:
Greater Vernon RDF
120 Birnie Rd., Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Sat/Sun9:30 am-3:30 pm
Armstrong/Spallumcheen RDF
3367 Powerhouse Rd., Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Sat/Sun 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Lumby/Electoral Area D RDF
221 Trinity Valley Rd., Thurs-Sun 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Cherryville RDF
205 Aumond Rd., Tues and Sat 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Kingfisher RDF
150 Beattie Rd., Sun 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Holiday Waste
Other common holiday waste typically disposed of with household and
commercial garbage can be recycled. Used alkaline batteries are commonly
found in refuse bags during and after the holiday season and are easily recycled.
All batteries are accepted for recycling at all RDNO Recycling and Disposal
Facilities. Automotive batteries are to be placed in the large plastic crates at the
Recycling and Disposal Facilities, and smaller household batteries (rechargeable
and alkaline) are to be placed in the green bins available at the scale house. Go
to the Reuse Recycle Directory at www.rdno.ca for a complete listing of battery
drop off locations.
Christmas Tree Recycling
When it comes time to dispose of your Christmas tree, there are a number of
drop areas available throughout the region. A Christmas tree disposal site will be
available to residents of the City of Vernon, B.X., and the District of Coldstream.
Trees that are free of decorations, lights, and other debris will be accepted at 47th
Avenue and 20th Street in the vacant lot next to St. John's Ambulance, up to
January 11th, 2009. Residents of the Village of Lumby can drop trees off at the
east side of the curling rink parking lot until January 9th, 2009 and City of Enderby
residents can drop trees off at the public works yard from January 5th to 9th
between 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Residents outside of these areas are welcome to
bring Christmas trees to any area Recycling and Disposal Facility until January
31st, 2009, free of charge.
This holiday season challenge your co-workers, family and friends to reduce
where possible!
For more information:
Karmen Peace
Waste Reduction Coordinator
250-550-3743
Dale Danallanko
Facilities Coordinator
250-550-3744
