RDN considers fines to combat contaminated curbside bins

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“We’re seeing those in almost every load that we’re bringing into facilities, whether it’s garbage or recycling —they’re just so common in today’s marketplace. Residents really need to be aware that they can explode when they’re put into loads when those loads are then compacted or crushed.”

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Thankfully, Routledge said their partners, including Recycling BC, worked together to quickly make on-site modifications to promptly address curbside disruptions to mid-Island residents following the damaging fire.

The aftermath of the June 24 fire. (Image Credit: RDN)

Routledge said the Regional Landfill in Cedar is the site of near-daily small fires resulting from the energy built up in crushed lithium-ion batteries.

“Landfill fires are happening right across Canada from these types of events.”

He said one of their garbage trucks on Gabriola Island caught fire a couple of years ago from an improperly disposed lithium-ion battery.

Routledge pointed to other notable recent battery-caused landfill fires in Victoria, the Lower Mainland and Interior of B.C.

RDN curbside inspection teams will focus on education, as well as potential fines for repeated violators of hazardous, non-accepted items being picked up by collection trucks, Routledge said.

“We’re going to start increasing enforcement with things that we see there that shouldn’t be in the cart. We’re looking at fines and potentially rolling those out later this summer just because it is such a serious issue.”

Following formal warnings, fines of $500 per offence could apply, Routledge said.

The RDN and City of Nanaimo have online search platforms clearly stating what depots can accept various non-curbside items.

Responsible for collecting garbage, recycling and organics from 30,0000 households weekly, the RDN is responsible for the entirety of the mid-Island area, with the exception of the City of Nanaimo.

Additional resources on RDN curbside services can be found here.

Fines could be in the future for RDN residents who put the wrong items into their collection bins. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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