Suddenly, some Maple Ridge residents are confused about recycling.
The switch to Recycle BC on Jan. 1 introduced changes, including new sorting requirements and collection procedures, intended to improve the service.
Recycle BC's Lyndsey Chauhan, VP program engagement for Western Canada, explained the changes, and offered some advice for residents.
"We recognize change is challenging, and we're hearing a little bit of frustration from residents," she said.
Firstly, the change of collecting flexible plastics is new – bread bags, chip bags, plastic locking packages, the plastic net bags for avocados and oranges, and bubble wrap are all recycled. They go in a red or pink bin.
Because the three big bins in recycling trucks are already used to collect other materials, the flexible plastics are collected in a separate truck, and only once every two weeks, on the same pickup day, Chauhan explained.
If this is confusing, she recommends residents download the Recycle BC app for their smartphone. It will contain information about pickup, including changes to schedules due to extreme weather or other incidents. It's available at your app store.
Chauhan recommended residents get a bread bag or other flexible plastic bag, and fill it with all their other flexible plastics, so it will have weight and not blow away when it is put out in the red bin for collection.
Their blue box is for all hard plastic, metal, paper cups, and carton containers.
The yellow bag is for clean and dry paper and cardboard.
The grey box is for glass bottles and jars.
A full list of materials accepted can be found at recyclebc.ca.
The changes are intended to ensure materials are properly recycled and help minimize contamination and maximize the efficiency of the recycling process, allowing each material to be processed appropriately at dedicated facilities.
"We appreciate the community's patience as these changes are implemented," said Walter Oleschak, Director of Engineering Operations for the city.
He said residents have shared concerns about flexible plastics collection, sorting requirements confusion, schedule changes, and delays in recycling pick-up. The transition occurred during the winter break, with several statutory holidays and increased waste volume further contributing to these challenges. Additionally, some residents did not receive critical information about the changes due to postal service delays and vouchers for new bins caused by the late fall strike.
We are pleased that Recycle BC has acknowledged residents' frustrations and, along with its service providers, has responded by addressing operational challenges and increasing their communications, outreach, and education efforts," he added.
“Maple Ridge is leading the way by including curbside and multi-family collection of segregated flexible plastics,” said Sam Baker, vice president of operations, Recycle BC. “This is an exciting milestone for us, and we are thrilled to offer this service to the community.
"We recognize that changes to sorting requirements have created some challenges, and we understand that adjustments take time. We want residents to know that we are listening and continuously reviewing our systems to identify opportunities for improvement, providing resources as needed to ensure the system is efficient and user-friendly for residents."
He said they are working with collection company Remple Disposal to increase efficiency and respond to resident inquiries.
"The Ridge Meadows Recycling Society has built a strong foundation for recycling in this community, and we are dedicated to building on that legacy by providing a convenient, reliable, and effective recycling service for Maple Ridge residents," said Baker.
Households received a new collection guide in the mail, and a follow-up postcard with sorting instructions. Included with the guide is a blue box voucher, which can be exchanged for a larger 20-gallon blue box at no cost for those who need additional space for plastic containers, metal containers, cartons, and paper cups. Interested residents can contact Remple Disposal at 778-503-1340, email mapleridge@rempledisposal.com, or the voucher can be redeemed in-person at Ridge Meadows Recycling Society. Residents who do not have a red or pink box to use for flexible plastics can request a pink box from Remple, who will deliver the new containers.
“The City of Maple Ridge appreciates Recycle BC’s leadership in managing curbside and multi-family recycling collection in our community at no cost to residents,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy.
“While the city is not responsible for collection, we strongly support programs promoting responsible recycling, reducing waste, and protecting our environment. We recognize that changes like this take time, and we thank residents for their patience and commitment to keeping recyclable materials out of the landfill as Recycle BC works to enhance the program for Maple Ridge.”
Residents are reminded to set out materials at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection days. For more information visit RecycleBC.ca/MapleRidge.
