Glass collection at depots back, hang on to Styrofoam

Effective Monday, December 20, collection of glass will resume at all depots in the Recycle BC program in the Central Okanagan, but Styrofoam collection is still on hold.

With transportation challenges in some areas starting to ease and the primary end market for glass no longer under evacuation order, starting Monday, December 20, glass bottles and jars will once again be accepted for drop off at all depot locations. However, collection of Styrofoam (both white and colored) is still on hold until further notice.

Due to the unprecedented flooding and resulting road closures throughout BC, collection of glass and Styrofoam at depots had to be suspended on November 22, at all local depot locations. With transportation corridors compromised due to road closures, Recycle BC could not move these materials from receiving facilities to end markets in the Lower Mainland. Residents were encouraged to keep glass and Styrofoam stored safely at home until full depot service resumed.

In addition to the resumption of glass collection, residents can still take paper, cardboard, containers (plastic and metal), plastic bags and overwrap, and other flexible plastic packaging to depots. These are materials that can be baled and stored in a more compact manner at receiving facilities.  

Travis Kendel, Manager of Engineering with the Regional District of Central Okanagan says, “We are hopeful residents can continue to appreciate the exceptional circumstances we are experiencing in the province and thank everyone for helping ensure all materials can eventually be managed responsibly.”

Kendel adds for now, normal curbside recyclable collection continues, but we’d like to remind recyclers that glass and foam packaging should not be added to the carts.  

Recycle BC indicated the situation is evolving. It is unknown at this time how long this change will be required. Additional measures may be needed in the coming days/weeks if shipping issues continue longer term. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

For further information, please visit rdco.com/recycle or contact the Regional Waste Reduction Office at recycle@rdco.com or call 250-469-6250.

Backgrounder:

Recycle BC is responsible for residential packaging and paper recycling in BC. The Regional District of Central Okanagan delivers residential recycling services to residents in the region under contract with Recycle BC. This includes curbside collection in the City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and two electoral areas within the Regional District as well as regional depots at the landfill and various transfer stations.