For Immediate Release
Town of Oliver Addresses Recycling Contamination; Residents Encouraged to Recycle Right
The Town of Oliver is asking residents to take extra care with what goes into their curbside recycling following recent findings that show higher than acceptable levels of contamination in local recycling carts.
A recent Recycle BC audit of Oliver’s curbside materials reported an incompatible material rate of 13.9%, well above the program requirement of 5% or less. The audit identified items such as electronics and a variety of non-packaging, non-paper products as common contaminants in curbside recycling.
Recycling contamination occurs when materials are placed in curbside containers that do not belong in the Recycle BC Packaging and Paper Product (PPP) program. These items disrupt sorting, reduce the quality of recyclable materials, increase program costs, and in some cases pose serious safety hazards for collection and processing staff.
Why Some Items Can’t Go in Curbside Recycling
While many residents recycle with the best intentions, not all recyclable materials are suited for curbside collection. According to Recycle BC:
1. Some materials are recyclable — but only at depots.
Items such as flexible plastics (e.g., chip bags, bread bags, overwrap, pouches) and foam packaging must be taken to a Recycle BC depot because they cannot be effectively sorted and processed at curbside facilities.
2. Some items are not packaging or paper at all.
Common examples found in Oliver’s audit include:
• Durable plastic items such as toys, laundry hampers, tarps
• Electronics, appliances, and light strings
• Scrap metal and hardware
• Personal Hygiene Products
• Hard-cover and soft-cover books
These items are considered Not Accepted Material, meaning they fall outside of the provincial PPP program.
3. Hazardous materials never belong in curbside recycling.
Items such as batteries, medical sharps, propane canisters, and flammable liquid containers can cause fires, explosions, and worker injuries. Even tiny amounts of hazardous residue pose significant risks.
4. Bagged recyclables and “nested” containers create unsortable material.
Recyclables tied in plastic grocery bags or items packed inside other items often cannot be opened or sorted at facilities, forcing them into disposal.
How Residents Can Help
• Keep it simple: Only place accepted packaging and paper products in your curbside cart
• When in doubt, check it out: Visit RecycleBC.ca or use their “What Can I Recycle?” search tool
• Review the Town of Oliver Recycling Brochure: https://www.oliver.ca/solidwaste
• Take depot-only items to a Recycle BC depot
• Never place hazardous materials in curbside recycling
• Do not bag recyclables — place items loose in the cart
• Rinse containers to remove food residue
Next Steps
The Town will continue working with Recycle BC to reduce contamination through education, monitoring, and supporting residents in learning how to make the right recycling choices. Reducing contamination will help keep Oliver in good standing with the provincial program and avoid penalties or loads that are rejected by the receiving facility.
Residents are encouraged to review the Recycling Program at https://www.oliver.ca/solidwaste
Inquiries:
Town of Oliver
250.485.6200
