The District of Mission has announced that it will be joining the provincial Multi-Material BC (MMBC) recycling program later on this year.
“Since 2014, we have all been paying to support MMBC through fees built in to the cost of products by the producers of packaging and printed paper,” said Mission Mayor Randy Hawes.
“Those fees have been used to support MMBC and pay for recycling in other municipalities, and we’re pleased to announce that we are now able to join the program and have those funds remain here to offset the cost of recycling in Mission.”
MMBC began operating in 2014 as a non-profit organization responsible to the B.C. Government for residential recycling, both directly and through working with local governments, First Nations, private companies and other non-profit organizations. It is financed by the businesses that produce packaging and printed paper.
With Mission joining the program the district anticipates an overall cost benefit of approximately $280,000 annually including collection and processing costs paid by MMBC.
Under the agreement, Mission essentially becomes a contractor and is able to generate revenue that is returned to the recycling and solid waste program.
“The MMBC program has a good record around the province and the streamlined approach will help us reach our waste diversion targets and improve recycling services to Mission residents,” said Barry Azevedo, the district’s manager of environmental services.
Beginning in April, there will be changes to how material is picked up and sorted, with glass collected in a separate bin and film-plastics like plastic bags no longer accepted in curbside recycling, but instead available to be dropped off at a local recycling depot.
According to the official press release, “These changes are a requirement of the MMBC program and are beyond the control of the district. All other blue bag recycling materials will continue to be collected, and will also include new materials like #3 plastic, #6 plastic (non-Styrofoam) and #7 plastic. Residents can find a complete list at recyclinginbc.ca.”
“We appreciate changing habits can be a challenge, but we’re confident with Mission having long been a leader in curbside recycling and compost that our residents can adapt,” added Hawes.
The start date for the new program is expected to be April 3, 2017. The District will publish more information on the changes starting in mid-February.