Grand Forks, British Columbia Landfill Ban
Type: Policy
Status: Initiated in 2001
Source File: http://www.city.grandforks.bc.ca/services/garbage/ban.asp
Description:
NEW ~ Landfill Ban Information
In the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary we want valuable resources to be used again and again and again. After all it doesn't make much sense to spend huge amounts of money mining for metals or cutting down trees, then processing the raw resources, only to throw it all away after one use.
So we've established recycling programs and composting operations which give these resources renewed life. And in the process we conserve landfill space, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a better quality of life.
To show we're serious about eliminating waste and recovering resources, as of September 1, 2001, it will be illegal to put certain things in your garbage. Things like yard and garden debris or any material accepted in our recycling programs.
Obviously all the paper, glass, tin, newspapers, milk jugs and cardboard can be recycled at depots or in your blue box, and all beverage containers can be returned for refund.
And if you don't want to, or have no space to compost, we accept your yard and garden debris for composting at our landfills, absolutely free of charge. Composting all that material instead of burying it reduces the production of methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Removing all these things from the garbage will also save you and your municipality money for tipping fees. Our target is ZERO WASTE! Your participation will make it happen.
What's banned and what can I do with it?
WAIT A MINUTE, THAT'S NOT GARBAGE!
BANNED IN THE RDKB SEPTEMBER 1, 2001:
YARD AND GARDEN DEBRIS
Leaves, grass clippings, prunnings, weeds, shrubs, plants, etc. If it grows, we can compost it.
What do I do with it?
Take it to any landfill for composting. Ask the attendant for directions. Tipping fees apply to branches, etc. over 15 cm in diameter.
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Glass food containers, tin cans, milk jugs (and other No. 2 uncoloured plastic containers), newspapers, cardboard, magazines, catalogues, phone books, office paper and any other paper products that's not waxed, plasticized, or stained.
What do I do with them?
Take them to your local recycling depot (see locations below) or put them out in your blue box. Commercial users should arrange for pick up or deliver material to either the Columbia Gardens Recycling Centre at 9370 Highway 22A (Trail and area) or Alpine's depot at 8008 Donaldson Dr. in Grand Forks.
BEVERAGE CONTAINERS All beverage containers can be returned for deposit. Take them to your local bottle depot or to where you purchased them.