The City of Nanaimo has been flagged for having a much higher than acceptable level of improperly discarded items in blue recycling bins. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

sin bin

Audit shows Nanaimo’s blue bin contamination levels far exceed limit

May 10, 2022 | 1:52 PM

NANAIMO — Properly discarding items in recycling bins appears to be an issue in the City of Nanaimo, according to results of a recent audit.

Taaj Daliran, manager of sanitation for the City, said an audit by Recycle BC of their blue bins showed a contamination rate averaging more than 10 per cent.

He said the wrong items placed in any of their curbside bins can impact the health and safety of workers, damage equipment and cause environmental harm.

“We need to reduce our contamination, if it continues Recycle BC could fine us and ultimately that could increase the cost of our service,” Daliran told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Recycling contamination rates must be three per cent or lower to comply with provincial standards, he noted.

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Common products misplaced in blue bins include glass, electronics and various soft plastics, while garbage and clothing make up a list of other non-compliant items.

Blue bin contamination levels have previously been in the seven to nine percent range to as high as 18 per cent, Daliran said.

Future random audits by Recycle BC of all three curbside bins will occur, he confirmed.

He said in some cases contaminated products are in the right bin, however, are not properly cleaned, with excess food on packaging being a lead example.

The City is focusing on increased education coupled with targeted enforcement of residents not using their bins correctly.

Daliran said people warned a third time about a contamination issue won’t receive pickup of the applicable bin.

“If we find any contamination we inform them, we provide the information and we expect them to follow those steps.”

Acceptable curbside items are clearly labelled on the respective bins.

An online search tool deciphers curbside compliant items in Nanaimo, which also lists items requiring a trip to a private recycling depot.

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