Originally published Oct 16/19 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
These are difficult times for the packaging and paper recycling industry when looking at the big picture.
Aside from increased costs, there are only a couple of changes to the recycling program in our community because low grade film plastics such as plastic bags and wrap have never been part of our program.
The biggest change is that all black plastic and #1 solid coloured plastic items like Tide pod tubs are not recyclable. The sorting machines cannot ‘read’ these plastics.
Number one plastics you can see through like drink bottles are very easily recycled. But the #1 you can’t see through isn’t. Our Flin Flon Recycling Facebook page has a picture of one of these containers.
Also, water cooler jugs are not recyclable because of the blue dye in the plastic.
I was asked the other day if the increased cost of recycling is putting our program in danger financially. Fortunately our Board of Directors has made wise decisions in the past so we are okay. Part of the annual calculations for the subsidy from industry considers prices for materials. When prices are low the subsidy increases to help cover costs.
The only serious problem we could have is being unable to ship our recyclables as we are very ‘space challenged’.
The red bag curbside program is in trouble. The number of homes using the service has dropped significantly so the $3.50 charge for the one red bag required for pickup is not covering costs. If this doesn’t change by year end, the program will end.
Call us at (204) 6876169 or check the website: flinflonrecycling.org for more information.
These are difficult times for the packaging and paper recycling industry when looking at the big picture.
Aside from increased costs, there are only a couple of changes to the recycling program in our community because low grade film plastics such as plastic bags and wrap have never been part of our program.
The biggest change is that all black plastic and #1 solid coloured plastic items like Tide pod tubs are not recyclable. The sorting machines cannot ‘read’ these plastics.
Number one plastics you can see through like drink bottles are very easily recycled. But the #1 you can’t see through isn’t. Our Flin Flon Recycling Facebook page has a picture of one of these containers.
Also, water cooler jugs are not recyclable because of the blue dye in the plastic.
I was asked the other day if the increased cost of recycling is putting our program in danger financially. Fortunately our Board of Directors has made wise decisions in the past so we are okay. Part of the annual calculations for the subsidy from industry considers prices for materials. When prices are low the subsidy increases to help cover costs.
The only serious problem we could have is being unable to ship our recyclables as we are very ‘space challenged’.
The red bag curbside program is in trouble. The number of homes using the service has dropped significantly so the $3.50 charge for the one red bag required for pickup is not covering costs. If this doesn’t change by year end, the program will end.
Call us at (204) 6876169 or check the website: flinflonrecycling.org for more information.
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