British Columbia Producer Responsibility Group MMBC Begins Recycling Expansion (with video)British Columbia Producer Responsibility Group MMBC Begins Recycling Expansion (with video)

British Columbia’s producer responsibility organization has begun providing recycling service for packaging and printed paper in the province to increase its recycling rate to a goal of 75 percent.

The Vancouver, British Columbia-based Multi-Material British Columbia (MMBC), a non-profit, industry-led and financed paper and packaging recycling organization, has begun delivering curbside blue box recycling to 20 communities, regions and First Nations, according to a news release.

Eventually MMBC will provide the recycling service to almost 1.25 million British Columbia residents in 88 communities to meet a goal of increasing the province’s recycling rate from its current 53 percent.

Through the MMBC program British Columbia residents may recycle new categories of packaging that are not included in many current curbside or depot recycling programs, including takeout beverage cups, aerosol containers, milk cartons, plant pots, aluminum foil and plastic film packaging. 

MMBC, representing more than 900 member businesses, is providing financial incentives to municipalities and First Nations to offset the cost of collecting recyclables from curbside or multifamily buildings, or to operate depots where residents can drop off their recyclables.

Similar programs for packaging and printed paper have been implemented in Ontario, Manitoba, and Québec, and other provinces are expected to follow suit.

In May 2011, British Columbia updated its Recycling Regulation to include packaging and printed paper. The regulation shifts the responsibility for managing the residential recycling of packaging and printed paper from regional and municipal governments and their taxpayers to business.