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In this month’s newsletter, we take a look at the future of Maple Ridge’s multi-sort system and a closer look at glass collection.
PLUS! Photos from Canada Day and our recent Neighbourhood events, summer students, awards, and in the garburator vs. composting debate on what to do with food scraps, Metro Vancouver chooses a winner.
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS July, 2015 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
In this month’s newsletter, we invite you to pick up your NEW red & grey recycling boxes on Canada Day and announce a couple of July dates for our Neighbourhood Recycling Dropoff Events
PLUS! Update from Metro Vancouver on their Organics Disposal Ban (aka. Food Scraps Recycling) and Board Member Dennis Kinsey encourages us to watch The Story of Stuff and REDUCE our buying power.
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS June, 2015 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
Food Scraps Recycling Regulation Update from Metro Vancouver – May 27, 2015:
“We are heading towards the end of our education phase of the organics disposal ban, (January 1 to June 30, 2015), where loads with high food volumes are identified but not charged. This has allowed businesses and residential buildings time to put recycling systems in place. For further details on the program, visit metrovancouver.org/foodscraps.
What’s Next?
The next stage begins July 1, where enforcement will advance from education-based to a financial penalty. Waste haulers (either municipality or private collector) will receive the surcharge at the waste facility. They will determine how it is transferred back to clients.
In April 2015, Metro Vancouver lowered the fees charged at regional facilities, and most commercial haulers have seen their rates reduced.
Positive Results to Date:
Since the Organics Disposal Ban came into effect January 1, 2015, thousands of tonnes of food scraps have been recycled. In the first four months of 2015, only 58 loads (15 per month) were out of compliance. Early results are encouraging, and indicate that in general large generators of food waste are successfully recycling food scraps.
The Organics Disposal Ban is a commitment on the part of all of us to change the way we manage our waste. By taking food scraps out of the garbage we are:
· Reducing the amount of methane coming from our landfills, generated when food decays in poor conditions.
· Taking the pressure of landfill space, which is limited. Currently about 30% of our food ends up there.
· Making our waste to energy facility, which takes about a third of the region’s waste, more effective by reducing the moisture content of the waste being incinerated.
· Turning the food scraps into compost and biofuel, which can grow more food, or help avoid using fossil fuels.
The ban applies to all garbage generated across the region, from Lion’s Bay to Langley.
The way we manage our waste is changing. Metro Vancouver is responsible for long term planning and disposing of the waste generated by residents and businesses in the region. Managing the waste system needs to be responsive to our citizen’s expectations of high environmental stewardship, as well as being kept affordable.
Organizations and individuals have demonstrated commitment to the success of this regulation, through establishing residential and commercial food scraps recycling programs throughout the region. Member municipalities are supporting residents so that most single homes have a food scraps collection program available.
An expanding resource collection is available to you, including:
· how-to guide to getting a food scraps recycling program for apartments and condos started, as well as a companion brochures for residents (order copies at 604-432-6200);
· a guide for restaurants, generated by the local restaurant operators;
· an online guide to improving recycling in residential buildings;
· recommended colour schemes for recycling programs, to promote region-wide consistency;
· online posters and artwork from the ‘Food isn’t garbage’, talking food campaign, which is popular in classrooms, staffrooms, and institutions;
· online resources on food waste reduction from the popular Love Food Hate Waste campaign.
For More Information about the regulation:
Visit the website
If you have questions please contact the Metro Vancouver Information Centre at 604-432-6200.”
In this month’s newsletter, we highlight the success of new recycling boxes at Earth Day and the Home Show and introduce our 2015-2016 Board of Directors.
PLUS! On the 1st Anniversary of MMBC’s Printed Paper & Packaging Stewardship program, Executive Director Kim Day reviews why Maple Ridge was able to make a smooth transition, and Earth Day photos, Home Show photos…lots of photos!
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS May, 2015 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
In this month’s newsletter, we look forward to the 2015 Celebrate Earth Day festival!
A food truck festival, Queen Elsa, flash mobs, free bikes, fish tents, and the first Haney Farmer’s Market of the year…Earth Day kicks off the festival season with a jam-packed day of celebrating the earth and “Water, Water Everywhere”
PLUS! We have a surprise for you at our Earth Day & Home Show booths, but you have to come in person 🙂
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS April, 2015 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
In this month’s newsletter, we look at Nature’s Cycle of Renewal and explore what’s left in the garbage after taking out recyclables & organics.
PLUS! Save the Date! Celebrate Earth Day in Maple Ridge will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 10am – 2pm at Memorial Peace Park. Registration forms and Volunteer Sign-Up info are now available on our website and entries to the Earth Day Poetry & Photo Contest are now being accepted at maple.ridgeearthday2015@gmail.com
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS March, 2015 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
We are rolling out sales of Solar Cones, Composters, and Rain Barrels early this year due to demand created by Metro Vancouver’s ban on organics in the landfill.
PLUS! Board Member Bill Elder talks about how our rocky past has gained us respect in the community and we reveal photos of the evolution of our Depot balers.
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS February, 2015 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
In this month’s newsletter, we look at how Metro Vancouver’s Organic Waste Disposal Ban affects Maple Ridge residents.
PLUS! RMRS President Carol Botting encourages us to continue “Rethinking” our garbage, RMRS membership renewal & AGM info, & more!
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS January, 2015 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
In this month’s newsletter, we look back at a full year of events & more in 2014.
PLUS! Green Christmas tips, our Holiday recycling pickup & depot schedule, and a shout out to the everyday actions of individuals by RMRS Board Member Sandy Sigmund.
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS December, 2014 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
RECYCLING PICKUP & DEPOT HOLIDAY HOURS – NO PICKUP/DEPOT CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
NEW!! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 Recycling Blue Box Pickup is MOVED to SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27.
PLUS! In this month’s newsletter, we look back at the way things used to be, Waste Reduction Challenge photos, Waste-Free Shopping Tips, and more!
Click to view a pdf copy of the RMRS November, 2014 Newsletter. This and past newsletters are archived on our website.
