New options for recycling flexible plastic packaging; tipping fees updated

Beginning this week, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will be collecting multi-laminate packaging or “Other Flexible Plastic Packaging”, such as stand-up pouches, net bags for produce, and crinkly potato chip bags, at the Nesters and Function Junction waste depots. The materials are one of the fastest growing packaging types and the largest category of packaging that previously wasn’t collected by Recycle BC.

“I am pleased to see Recycle BC taking leadership with diverting these plastics, which have traditionally been more difficult to recycle.” said Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden “As our waste management program continues to evolve, we all play a role in reducing consumption; and securing, sorting and collecting garbage recycling and organics to help Whistler achieve its mission of zero waste and to protect our natural environment, wildlife and resources.”

Whistler’s waste depots are participating in a research and development pilot project led by Recycle BC, along with more than 100 others in the province. Part of the process is to determine how best to recycle this material. During the pilot project, material that is unable to be recycled will be recovered and produced into engineered fuel to use in place of coal. As of January 1, 2019, all Recycle BC depots in the province are expected to collect this type of packaging.

Examples of materials that will be accepted as part of Other Flexible Plastic Packaging:

Stand-up and zipper lock pouches

Zipper lock pouches for frozen foods like prawns, berries and prepared food
Zipper lock bags for fresh foods like grapes, berries and deli meat
Stand-up pouches for baby food and hand soap refills
Stand-up and zipper lock pouches for items like dried fruits, granola, sugar, oatmeal, quinoa, dish detergent pods and grated cheese

Crinkly wrappers and bags

Crinkly wrappers and bags
Bags for potato chips, candy, dried pasta, coffee and cereal
Cellophane for flowers and gift baskets
Wrappers for cheese slices, snack bars and instant noodles

Flexible packaging with plastic seal

Packaging for fresh pasta, and pre-packaged deli meats and cheese

Woven and net plastic bags

Net bags for avocados, onions, oranges, lemons and limes
Woven plastic bags for rice

Non-food protective packaging

Padded protective plastic like plastic shipping envelopes, plastic air packets and bubble wrap

Examples of materials that will not be part of the expanded program:

Plastic squeeze tubes
Plastic-lined paper

Paper-lined plastic
Plastic strapping

6-pack rings
Biodegradable or oxo plastic
PVC or vinyl

Residents are reminded to rinse food residue from packaging before disposing it at the depots.

To learn more about the Other Flexible Plastic Packaging program and find answers to frequently asked questions, visit RecycleBC.ca/FlexiblePackaging.

Solid waste bylaw updates

Over the last year, the Resort Municipality of Whistler has adopted several amendments to its solid waste bylaw, including:

A requirement for all properties in Whistler to separate recyclable and organic material from landfill garbage updates;
Updates to tipping fees (in effect July 1) at the Whistler Transfer Station for garbage, mixed waste, mattresses, biosolids and invasive species to better reflect the actual costs for their disposal; and
Clarification about what wildlife attractants are and how they should be managed.

While most multi-family strata properties, restaurants and businesses are already on board with multi-stream waste separation and recycling, the RMOW has scheduled four workshops in June to assist commercial and multi-family strata properties that haven’t yet adopted the requirements.

Learn more about the workshops, tipping fee updates, solid waste management and reduction in Whistler at www.whistler.ca/solidwaste.