Recycle and Organics
Recycling
The resources used to create products are lost forever when items are thrown in the garbage. By participating in recycling programs we are taking responsibility for the products we purchase and supporting a system where these materials can be used over and over again. Recycling is a process that involves three main steps: collection, processing, and remanufacturing.
Recycling is the 3rd "R" of the 5R pollution prevention hierarchy and should be considered after trying to first reduce and reuse.
Check out these guides by the Recycle Council of BC for information on the history of recycling in British Columbia as well as a summary of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs in the province.
Recycling in the Capital Region
Services will vary depending on where recycling is generated.
Organics
Organics and composting follow the same three basic steps as recycling: collection, processing, and manufacturing of compost or soil amendments. With landfill bans on yard and garden material, food waste, and soiled paper products, we can work towards saving these valuable resources, conserving landfill space, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by keeping organics out of the landfill.
Food Scraps
There are steps we can take to cut food waste in our region, including donating food that is still edible or using it up, as well as keeping food scraps out of the landfill by composting.
Yard and Garden
Yard and garden material is an important natural resource than can be easily composted to benefit our environment and contribute to sustainability in our region.
Composting at Home
The most efficient and environmentally-friendly way to manage organics is by composting at home. There are different options for managing food waste and yard and garden materials at home, including using backyard bins and digesters or vermicomposting (worm composting) if you don't have a yard.
For more detailed information on at-home composting options and tips on how to get started, visit the Compost Education Centre website. They provide workshops and factsheets to help people compost at home.