Mission, BC—We’ve been on a mission to reduce contamination in curbside recycling, and we’re happy to share that residents are making the changes to put waste in its proper place.
In our three-month review with Recycle BC, the not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout British Columbia, staff learned that the City of Mission’s curbside recycling program has exceeded our three-month goal to reduce contamination.
Our efforts have succeeded in lowering the contamination rate by 11.42% which is a greater decrease than our 3-month reduction goal of 8.33% set by Recycle BC. We are well on our way to reducing contamination by the required 25% by the end of 2024.
“Mission residents love our environment and they have proven it once again by cleaning up the way we recycle,” said Mayor Paul Horn. “It isn’t always easy to know how to manage household waste, but we have a track record of leading the way in composting, recycling and reducing waste.”
When residents sort properly at the curb, they help avoid contamination, keep workers safe, and make sure more items are recycled instead of ending up in a landfill.
Public outreach and education campaigns have spurred awareness in this area, with new videos, mailouts, newspaper ads, social media posts, newsletters, booths at events, blue bin audits, star recycling stickers, and notifications through the Recycle Coach app helping to make recycling easier.
If the City does not reduce contamination in recycling by 25% by the end of the year, there is a possibility of receiving a service level failure credit, which could result in a decrease in the financial incentive the City receives for collecting material on behalf of Recycle BC.
The initial progress is promising and the City commends residents for their efforts so far. When it comes to recycling, sorting right goes a long way.
Take a look at our video series to learn more about what goes where and download the free Recycle Coach app to help you sort your items right the first time.
Video Series
What Goes Where, Downtown Mission?
What Goes Where, Junction Mall?
What’s the Problem with Wishcycling?