The province and Encorp are marking a milestone today with the recycling of B.C.’s 15 billionth beverage container.
The province’s recycling program has been operating for 20 years and now about 80 per cent of all containers sold in B.C. are collected, one of the highest rates in North America.
“We recycle about one billion beverage containers every year,” says Scott Fraser with Encorp. “That is the equivalent of keeping 60,000 mid-size automobiles out of landfill every year in British Columbia.”
But in contrast, the province’s newest recycling program is meeting with mixed reviews.
Multi Materials BC is the industry group that took over responsibility for recycling all printed paper products and packaging.
Operating under a mandate from the province, the program launched in May.
Five months later and homeowners in many cities are still frustrated they can no longer recycle plastic bags and plastic film at the curbside.
Multi Materials BC says it won’t accept plastic bags in the bins because it’s too difficult to recycle properly when mixed with other materials.
Residents can take them to their depots, though not every municipality has one.
B.C. environment minister insists it is just going to take time to work out all the issues.
With files from Elaine Yong
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