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

The Bylaw applies to only corrugated cardboard at this time. Other recyclable materials, such as paper products, plastic, glass and metal packaging, may be added to the list of mandatory recyclables in the future.

Cardboard is one of the easiest packaging materials to recycle because it’s easy to identify, it’s generated in large volumes, and is easily recycled. Most residents and businesses have been recycling cardboard for years, however, we still see loads of refuse going into the landfill that contain large amounts of cardboard.

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 hauler.

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 more than 10% cardboard by volume, a fine of 50% of the applicable tipping fee may be imposed.

For example, if a load is 2, 000 kilograms (2 tonnes), the customer will pay the normal disposal fee of $160.00 ($80.00 per tonne x 2 tonnes), plus, receive a fine of $80.00 (50% of $160.00) if the load is in contravention of Bylaw No. 2743.  The minimum fine is $40.00.

Fine amounts are reduced if paid within 30 days.

Enforcement will focus on large commercial and municipal loads. Inspectors will not be breaking open individual garbage bags to inspect contents.

The maximum allowable threshold 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 on total volume by conducting 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.  Businesses are encouraged to contact one of these service providers to learn which disposal options are best suited.

Most TNRD and City of Kamloops disposal facilities have designated bins for recycling cardboard. For information about these locations, businesses are encouraged to visit tnrd.ca or kamloops.ca/landfills.

The proposed implementation timelines in 2022 are as follows:

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