A controversial new program for recycling packaging and printed paper doesn't seem to make any sense, says MLA Vicki Huntington.
Concerned about the impacts that could result from the Multi-Material B.C. (MMBC) program, which is set to begin next month, the independent from Delta South warns the new recycling regime will be extremely damaging to certain businesses, such as the newspaper industry, creating unnecessary costs and red tape.
"It's not making the kind of sense that it ought to make and it's too costly, and it's putting what's otherwise a fairly efficient recycling industry out of business. I'm not satisfied this is a good piece of legislation."
In 2011, the provincial government changed environmental regulations to make manufacturers of packaging and printed paper products responsible for the lifecycle of their goods in what's been dubbed extended producer responsibility.
A deal was then reached with Ontario-based Multi Materials B.C., a not-forprofit agency, to oversee the industry-paid program. MMBC will take responsibility for the curbside collection and recycling of printed paper and packaging, invoicing B.C. businesses to cover the costs. "It's nice to think you're going to live in a perfect world where the producer gets rid of all its packaging, but that's just not going to happen," said Huntington. "If you wanted to reduce packaging, then there's certainly got to be easier, cheaper ways of targeting that issue."
According to the program, if a business supplies packaging or supplies printed paper to residents, that company is considered a "steward" and has a requirement to register with MMBC.
Critics argue the program will result in higher costs for businesses that could be passed along to the consumer.
Business groups, including the newspaper, recycling, agriculture and waste management sector, are urging the province not to proceed.
The government has decided to grant an exemption for smaller businesses, a move applauded by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, which noted a relatively small number of firms will now be impacted. However, business groups say smaller firms have good reasons to remain concerned.
The Surrey Board of Trade recently stated it's not supporting the new recycling regime, despite the City of Surrey joining, noting certain sectors such as the printing and publishing industries face serious consequences. According to the board, there's also increasing concern by small businesses about added costs. Delta Chamber of Commerce chair Orv Nickel told the Optimist the commercial sector here hasn't raised concerns, perhaps due in part to the exemption for smaller businesses.
"Locally, there seems to be no change in the status quo. For Delta, it's really status quo for both residential and commercial, based on the decision Delta has made not to participate," he said.
Cities had until last year to decide if they would join the program and accept payments from MMBC to essentially act as recycling contractors, responsible for delivering the recycled materials.
In December, the Corporation of Delta announced it wouldn't join the recycling plan for homeowners until the true costs are known and service levels can be assured.
Concerned certain materials such as glass would be banned from the current blue box program, forcing Delta to become "garbage police" for MMBC, Mayor Lois Jackson told the Optimist she wonders how Metro Vancouver will enforce the program if cities and businesses refuse to participate.
