Glass Separated, Paper Combined in New Recycling Program

A few changes are in store for the Township of Langley’s residential recycling program, as updates are introduced this summer to ensure recycling is consistent and effective throughout the province.

Through the new program, glass will be separated from other recyclables, and all paper, including newsprint, can be sorted together.

Like the majority of municipalities across British Columbia, the Township is joining Recycle BC , a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper recycling across the province. The changes being introduced will allow the Township to align with Recycle BC’s program requirements.

“By joining Recycle BC, our municipality will be able to provide a recycling program consistent with many neighbouring communities,” said Debbie Fleming, Solid Waste Coordinator with the Township of Langley. “Recycle BC also works closely with producers and manufacturers of recyclable materials, ensuring their support of the program and their commitment to creating items that can be responsibly recycled.”

Starting July 3, residents will separate glass jars and bottles from other recyclables. New grey containers for sorting glass will be delivered in subsequent weeks this summer.

Residential properties that get curbside blue box collection, including single-family homes, most townhomes, and most row homes, will receive new grey boxes. Those in apartments, condos, and other properties with centralized collection will receive a new cart for glass.

Until residents receive their new grey box or cart, glass can be stored at home or taken to a recycling depot. For residents who receive curbside collection, glass can be placed at the curb for pick up in a small, sturdy container, such as a Rubbermaid storage bin, or their old blue bag.

“Glass is being separated because it breaks so easily and gets embedded in other recyclables, meaning they can’t be properly sorted or recycled,” Fleming said. “Separating glass from other recyclables helps us recycle as much of the materials we collect as possible.”

Residents are asked to empty and rinse glass bottles and jars before recycling them. Lids should be removed and added loose to the blue box or centralized collection cart for containers.

As part of the new program, the blue newsprint bag and centralized collection cart for newsprint will be phased out this summer. Instead, newsprint can be set out in the yellow bag or in the paper cart. However, residents with curbside collection can reuse and reduce waste by continuing to use their existing yellow or blue bags for paper recycling, until they wear out.

Under the new program, new items will be accepted in recycling while some previously accepted items will be diverted to other streams. Beverage cups and lids with straws removed, such as fountain drinks from fast food restaurants, are now welcome in blue boxes or carts for containers. While hard and soft cover books were recyclable under the previous program, residents are now encouraged to donate them.

More information on the new recycling program will be delivered with the new glass containers and a team will be visiting residents door-to-door this summer to answer questions.

For more information visit tol.ca/recycle or call 604-532-7300.