March 17, 2009
COLDSTREAM, BC - The markets for many recyclable commodities have been hit hard by
the recent global economic downturn. Prices for commodities such as newspaper, corrugated
cardboard and mixed plastic have decreased significantly compared to a year ago; however most
markets for recyclable commodities are open. With this decrease in recyclable commodity prices,
questions regarding the long term economic viability of recycling programs in the Regional District
of North Okanagan including the Blue Bag Curbside Program have been raised. Many British
Columbia Regional Districts and municipalities have begun to modify their recycling programs in
response to the decrease in recyclable commodity prices; however this is not the case in the
North Okanagan. All Regional District of North Okanagan recycling programs remain unchanged.
There are two main reasons why recycling programs in the North Okanagan have not changed as
a result of decreasing commodity values. First, although there are fewer buyers for the materials
and prices are not as high, markets are still available and the Regional District's processor
continues to ship. The Regional District of North Okanagan is fortunate to have a Materials
Recovery Facility (MRF) in our Region (beside the Greater Vernon Recycling and Disposal
Facility on Birnie Road) owned by the Regional District of North Okanagan and operated by
Bluewater Project lnc. Along with strong contract language, this allows for more control over the
fate of the commodities than in other Regions. Other communities have not been so fortunate and
have had to pay an increasing cost for processing and in some cases have had to deal with
materials that their processor will not accept.
Second, the Regional District of North Okanagan's processor is not a privately traded company
so their financial model does not involve investors or shareholders that expect a guaranteed
return; unlike those working in other regions. Even though Blue Bag material commodity sales
have until a few months ago covered the processing costs, currently these costs are offset by
other user fees. ln the North Okanagan, all waste reduction programs are funded directly from
tipping fees and recycling collection fees. Taxation is not used to support any solid waste
program, and therefore the programs are self sustained by those that use the facilities and
programs.
Recycling is an important waste reduction strategy, but as most people know it is not the most
important. Residents and business owners alike should try to REDUCE where possible first.
Really think about your purchases beforehand and which items are necessary and which are not.
ln this current economic climate it may be more practical than ever to cut down on excess items.
REUSE where possible and seek out others that could make use of your items before recycling or
disposing. There are many items thrown out in our landfills every day, and sadly many of those
items could be used by someone again. lf you have an item you would like to have reused or
recycled and are not sure what do with it, go to the Reuse Recycle Directory or
visit www.okanaganreuses.com. Watch for upcoming community garage sales this spring or
think about having your own!
For more information:
Karmen Peace, B.Sc.
Waste Reduction Coordinator
250-550-3743
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