Mandatory Recyclable Bylaw

It is a disposal ban which prohibits recyclable materials from being landfilled.

The Bylaw applies to corrugated cardboard and listed EPR materials.  Other recyclable materials, may be added to the list of mandatory recyclables in the future.

The TNRD plans to add recyclable materials that are regulated by the Province of British Columbia’s Recycling Regulation.  These materials have province wide take back programs and are accessible at most TNRD disposal facilities, private depots in TNRD Member Municipalities and at the City of Kamloops Mission Flats Landfill.

This bylaw is a mechanism to require those who are currently still putting cardboard into the garbage bin to recycle instead.

Enforcement will be conducted by TNRD staff and bylaw officers. Disposal facility staff, such as scale attendants, will not have the authority to issue fines.

Inspections may occur when loads are dumped at any disposal facility in the TNRD (landfill or transfer station). This also includes City of Kamloops landfills and private landfills. If a load contains more than 10% corrugated cardboard by volume, a fine may be issued to the customer.  Or, if a load contains any of the listed EPR regulated materials, a fine will be issued to the customer.

No inspections will take place outside the boundaries of authorized disposal facilities. This means that the TNRD will not be inspecting bins at businesses and residences. Only the loads tipped at the disposal facility will be inspected.

Penalties may be issued to the hauler of the load, regardless of where the load originated. It is the responsibility of the hauler to work with their customers to comply with the ban.

If a load contains one of the listed EPR regulated materials, a fine of $65.00 will be applied.

If a load contains more than 10% cardboard by volume , a fine of 50% of the applicable tipping fee will be imposed.

Fine amounts are reduced if paid within 30 days.

Enforcement will focus on all commercial, municipal and residential loads.  Inspectors will not be breaking open individual garbage bag to inspect contents.

The maximum allowable threshold for old corrugated cardboard will be 10% recyclable content in a load. The threshold could be reduced in the future, and communication would precede any proposed change.

Penalties will be determined by the inspector based a visual assessment (including photo documentation). Photos may be used as evidence if a ticket is disputed.

Throughout the TNRD, there are several service providers offering comprehensive garbage collection, disposal, recycling and bin rentals.  There are also several businesses that are registered collectors with provincial stewardship agencies that take back the listed EPR materials.  The public is encouraged to contact one of these service providers to learn which disposal options are best suited.

If approved by the TNRD Board of Directors, the ban on the listed EPR materials :

A robust communication/ education campaign has been undertaken by the TNRD. Specific assistance, including support materials, will be given to commercial haulers to help them communicate directly to their customers. Examples of support materials that may be provided to commercial haulers include:

• Brochures/ rack cards
• Bin decals/ signs
• Letters of support from the TNRD for haulers to issue to customers who do not comply with the bylaw