Our consumption and disposal practices have a cumulative impact on environmental health. Our ever-increasing appetite for consumer goods and the waste associated with them has contributed to a variety of environmental problems including climate change, deforestation, water pollution, and air pollution. It is estimated that on average, each British Columbian disposes of over 600kg of waste each year. Where does all of this waste go? The answer: our landfills. The fact of the matter is that there is only a limited amount of garbage that will fit in each landfill. Eventually, there will be no more room, and a new landfill location will be needed, using up our valuable land resources and creating a stinky blemish on the landscape.

Nowadays, most items we purchase can be recycled or composted. The RDBN is working hard to improve the recycling opportunities in our area. Many items are also part of extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, meaning that the producer or manufacturer is both physically and financially responsible for the recycling of certain products. Currently there are EPR programs for a multitude of items, including:

• Electronics (computers/parts/accessories, TVs, stereos, gaming equipment)
• Small Appliances (microwaves, blenders, coffee makers, hair dryers and other electric/battery-powered appliances)
• Household batteries (alkaline and rechargeable)
• Automotive batteries
• Cell phones
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Paint, pesticides and flammable liquids
• Tires
• Used oil, oil containers/filters and antifreeze

For more information in regard to recycling materials and the Recycle BC app go to:

RECYCLE BC