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:
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Stand-up and zipper lock pouches
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Crinkly wrappers and bags
Flexible packaging with plastic seal
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Woven and net plastic bags
Non-food protective packaging
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Examples of materials that will not be part of the expanded program:
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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.
