PLASTIC BAGS: A CASE FOR COLLABORATION ALLEN LANGDON, MANAGING DIRECTOR WHO WE ARE
Recycle BC is a non-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and printed paper recycling throughout British Columbia.
Recycle BC ensures household materials are collected, sorted and responsibly recycled.
Our program is funded by over 1,200 businesses that supply packaging and printed paper to BC residents, shifting costs away from homeowners.
Recycle BC is the first 100% Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in Canada where industry assumes full financial and managerial responsibility for the residential recycling system 2016 PROGRAM PERFORMANCE NEW PLASTICS ECONOMY INITIATIVE PLASTIC BAGS COLLECTION OF PLASTIC BAGS AND OVERWRAP
Recycle BC accepts only certain types of plastic bags and overwrap —like plastic shopping bags or the overwrap on paper towels or toilet tissue—as these types of plastic bags and overwrap are recyclable when mixed together If any other types of soft plastic packaging (for example, packaging for cheese or deli slices, which is multiple layers of different kinds of plastics) are mixed in, the mixture is not accepted by North American material re-manufacturers When collected through curbside programs, the plastic film is often contaminated and compromises our ability to recycle the material By collecting plastic bags and overwrap at depots, we can ensure that they will be recycled properly A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
Recycle BC is proposing to implement a plastic bag reduction pilot within the Capital Region in 2018 The objective of the pilot will be to bring interested stakeholders from across the region to develop a comprehensive plan to encourage the reduction of plastic bags Features of the plan could include: • Tracking distribution of plastic bags as well as presence of plastic bags at landfill • Development of a prototype reusable bag using material collected from the Recycle BC system • Public education campaign to educate residents about recycling options and encourage greater use of reusable bags If successful, the pilot could be used as a template to be used in other regions of British Columbia RATIONALE FOR COLLABORATION
Existing support and interest from a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, to reduce distribution of single-use bags A number of existing initiatives are already in place (such as fees on bags) to reduce plastic bags with opportunities to expand or enhance these initiatives Collection of plastic bags for recycling has some limits/challenges and the continued presence of plastic bags in curbside has a negative effect on the recycling system A collaborative approach can provide an inclusive platform for developing long-term sustainable solutions that mitigate or avoid any unintended consequences This approach is consistent with Recycle BC’s objectives of improving and optimizing the recycling system in British Columbia TIMELINE
Review of best practices to reduce plastic bags from around the world – November/December
Convene stakeholder meetings to review and discuss draft strategy – January/February
Review final strategy and campaign creative with stakeholders – March
Activate campaign – April Making a difference together.
RecycleBC.ca @RecycleBC @RecycleBC
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