Cleaning out the cluttered garage or clearing away jam-packed closets this spring?
It can be difficult to know where to take items that can be reused or recycled, but Metro Vancouver has launched the 2021 edition of the Waste in Its Place campaign in hopes spreading awareness about recycling and disposal options.
鈥淎bandoning household items on public or private property is considered illegal dumping,鈥� a Metro Vancouver media spokesperson explained. 鈥淎 desk left in a lane-way, a mattress placed behind an apartment building, or bags of garbage dropped next to a public bin 鈥� it鈥檚 all illegal and it costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year to clean up.鈥�
The 91原创 Recycling and Waste Centre, located at
Most recyclables are accepted free of charge, however, there are fees for mattresses and gypsum drywall, the spokesperson said.
Details on which items go where can be found at . Mattresses and furniture are transferred to when all the components such as foam, metal, wood and fabric are separated into reusable products and fully recycled.
Because of COVID-29, a planned 91原创 Township-wide garage sale is postponed until further notice.
91原创 City and 91原创 Township both offer residential pick up for up to four large items per year, by appointment (call 604-530-3939).
鈥淲e also recommend Metro Vancouver Recycles, which is our web app with a directory and map of all recycling, donation and disposal services in the region,鈥� the spokesperson added.
Township mayor Jack Froese said a lot of people will have a mattress and not know what to do with it so they just dump it on the road and it costs the Township money to clean it up.
鈥淚 drive down some of our beautiful streets and it just sickens me to see the litter dumped,鈥� Froese said. 鈥淚t costs us time and resources 鈥� we don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 hazardous sometimes, which takes up time and money.鈥�
Nationally, Froese said there is a lot being looked at right now to reduce packaging.
鈥淲e want to start with businesses and reduce the amount of waste before it gets to the consumer,鈥� he explained.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been a common waste item for the past 12 months. Metro Vancouver is encouraging people to choose reusable fabric masks instead of disposable ones or sanitizer instead of gloves to limit the amount of waste.
To dispose of single-use personal hygiene items like masks, gloves, or used tissues, they should be in a plastic bag and place securely in a garbage bin.
People are asked to double bag these items if they are feeling sick or caring for someone who is sick.
Froese said there are a lot of resources out there, particularly pointing to the Waste In Its Place campaign.
鈥淲e all have to do our part and put the waste where it belongs,鈥� Froese added.
More tips and information can be found at
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