Staff of Regional District of Central Kootenay have been directed to research the feasibility of moving Kaslo’s recycling bins to the Kaslo transfer station.
Currently, the Village of Kaslo works yard has two recycling bins from before the village was part of the Multi Materials BC curbside collection program. One bin is for cardboard and one blue bin used by residents and businesses for other recyclables.
While Kaslo has signed on with the MMBC curbside recycling program, old habits seem hard to break. Most residents continue to drop their recycling in the bins rather than leave it on the curb. As a result, the recycling truck is rarely full after its rounds through town.
RDCK director Jimmie Holland said the village asked the RDCK if they would consider moving the blue bin to the transfer station to encourage residents to increase their curbside recycling usage. However, commercial users may not like the change from two blocks to a 12 km return drive with the added time and cost.
Another problem Holland pointed out is for Area D residents who also use these bins when they come to town to perform errands and shopping.
Currently there are no recycling facilities at the Kaslo transfer station which is located six kilometres west of the village on Kaslo West Road. The transfer station takes garbage, wood scraps, batteries and appliances but not recycling.
Holland said the request for RDCK staff to research the feasibility of the move is “to generate good discussion. There are two local governments who work great together trying to maintain a good recycling program at reasonable costs. But there are shortfalls in logic. People are trying to do the right thing.”
RDCK resource recovery manager Mike Morrison will be heading the review. Public consultation will be a part of the process.
The board expects the report to be received by January 30, clarifying the costs.
This story will appear in an upcoming issue of the West Kootenay Advertiser.