Wednesday, December 13, 2023 – The District is sharing this information from the Capital Regional District regarding the Residential Curbside Blue Box Recycling Service and related changes coming into effect in the new year:
Effective January 2, 2024, GFL Environmental Incorporated (GFL) will begin delivering the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) curbside blue box collection program which provides recycling collection services to 132,000 single family homes in the region.
The CRD issued the six-year contract to GFL in October 2022, 15 months prior to service beginning, to allow for the time necessary to procure, manufacture and deliver the collection vehicles and ensure a smooth transition from the current service provider. While accepted materials remain the same, some scheduled collection days may change. Residents impacted by route changes will be notified directly.
“We are committed to environmental sustainability and providing efficient waste management solutions,” said Russ Smith, Senior Manager, CRD Environmental Resource Management, “This new contract offers increased collection capacity to reliably service the region, including future growth.”
The contract includes the requirement to use low or zero-emission vehicles for collection. The 25-vehicle vehicle fleet includes 23 trucks fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) and two electric-powered trucks.
Residents are advised that glass pick up will not be available between January 2 – February 1 due to labour disruption impacts.
The CRD is paid a fee to oversee the curbside blue box collection program by Recycle BC, a non-profit stewardship organization that represents producers of packaging and paper products in BC. Residents are not charged for this service. The BC Recycling Regulation requires producers of packaging and paper products in BC to be responsible for the recycling costs associated with the material, not residential taxpayers.
Residents in the region who receive curbside blue box collection are advised to visit www.crd.bc.ca/bluebox to access their curbside collection schedule and download the Recycling CRD app. Apart from Christmas and New Years days, collection proceeds as usual on holidays.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tracy Urquhart, Supervisor, Communications and Education Development
CRD Environmental Services
Tel: 250.360.3287
Cell: 250.516.4089