Recycling services returning to Valemount in September
No timeline for recycling in McBride
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
Recycling services will relaunch in Valemount on September 16th, according to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG). The District has not announced when the McBride recycling depot will reopen.
District recycling services in the Robson Valley were halted on May 31st as the District began contract negotiations with RecycleBC. Regional District directors authorized staff to begin negotiations with RecycleBC in February, but this did not leave enough time to organize recycling services before the end of May, when the contractor who previously provided waste management services to the District ended their contract, causing the disruption in service.
Under the contract with RecycleBC, Regional District residents will now be able to recycle foam packaging, glass, and metal and plastic containers, along with paper and cardboard. In an email statement sent to The Goat, the RDFFG Environmental Services team said the Regional District is looking forward to expanding its available recycling services under the new contract.
Regional District staff said they are unable to confirm whether the Valemount recycling depot will be overwhelmed on its opening day.
“It is well recognized that Robson Valley residents are dedicated recyclers,” the statement from Environmental Services reads. “There has been a buildup of recyclables during this service interruption and area residents could consider visiting a few days after the September 16 launch to take advantage of shorter wait times at the site.”
The District did not provide a timeline for when the McBride recycling depot will reopen. Residents in McBride and Dunster can bring their recycling to the Valemount depot, or they can use the Quinn Street Recycling Depot in Prince George.
In May, General Manager of Environmental Services Laura Zapotichny told Valemount Council that the Regional District hopes to make McBride a principal depot, rather than a satellite depot. At principal depots, RecycleBC is responsible for providing bins, hauling recyclables to the landfill, and marketing all recyclables, whereas at satellite depots, the Regional District must cover these costs.
The Goat confirmed with Environmental Services that talks to make McBride a principal depot are ongoing. The decision will be made once the initial three principal depots – Valemount, Mackenzie, and Quinn Street – are operational.
Environmental Services also confirmed that Dunster will not have recycling services provided by RecycleBC, as the Dunster recycling station does not meet RecycleBC’s criteria for security or staffing. Dunster residents can take their recyclables to the depots in Valemount or McBride once they are open.
