Changes in the region’s blue box collections are coming in the new year.
Effective Jan. 2, 2024, GFL Environmental Incorporated (GFL) will begin delivering the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) curbside blue box collection program, which provides recycling collection services to 132,000 single-family homes in the region.
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The CRD issued the six-year contract to GFL in October 2022, 15 months prior to service beginning, to allow for the time necessary to procure, manufacture and deliver the collection vehicles and ensure a smooth transition from the current service provider, the CRD said in a statement. While accepted materials remain the same, some scheduled collection days may change, the CRD said. Residents impacted by route changes will be notified directly.
“We are committed to environmental sustainability and providing efficient waste management solutions,” said Russ Smith, senior manager, CRD Environmental Resource Management, “This new contract offers increased collection capacity to reliably service the region, including future growth.”
The contract includes the requirement to use low or zero-emission vehicles for collection. The 25-vehicle vehicle fleet includes 23 trucks fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) and two electric-powered trucks.
Residents are advised that glass pick-up will not be available between Jan. 2 and Feb. 1 due to labour disruption impacts.
The CRD is paid a fee to oversee the curbside blue box collection program by Recycle BC, a non-profit stewardship organization that represents producers of packaging and paper products in B.C.
Residents are not charged for this service. The BC Recycling Regulation requires producers of packaging and paper products in B.C. to be responsible for the recycling costs associated with the material, not residential taxpayers.
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