2019 to see some potential progress towards city's interest in curb side recycling initiative

As we move a little further into 2019, the prospect of the introduction of curb side recycling to the community appears to be picking up a bit of speed.

It's a topic that has come up at a few of recent Prince Rupert City Council sessions, with Councillor Barry Cunningham along with Councillor Adey keeping the proposed initiative on the radar, the latter  speaking to the topic in December. 

At that time, Mr. Adey reminded council of the work currently done  by a private individual in the community and indicating his hope that somehow that work can be included in the city's review process whenever it is launched.

How that process will move forward still seems a bit unclear, however some indications towards how it might come together were noted at a recent Regional District Session of the Recycling Advisory committee in late January.

Attending the session on behalf of the City of Prince Rupert were Tanya Ostrom and Hans Seidemann.

From the minutes of the session, an update on the proposed curb side program for Prince Rupert was heard.
and

Mr. Brendan McShane, a Field Specialist with Recycle BC outlined where the program sits at the moment.

In his notes, Mr. McShane indicated that Recycle BC is increasing its expansion program and intends to have additional information for the City of Prince Rupert with respect to onboarding scheduling in the summer of 2019. 

It was discussed that a vehicle purchase by the City to accommodate curbside recycling would likely be complete by the end of year with a goal to implement operations into 2020. 

Further discussion has been flagged between the NCRD, the City of Prince Rupert and Recycle BC with respect to operational requirements and additional funds to cover education and administration support.

The prospect of a vehicle designed to provide for curb side recycling was also part of that December 10th council discussion, at the time the City's Financial Officer Corinne Bomben observed how the City will need to replace its large garbage truck.

"Staff is investigating the possibility of implementing curb side recycling  through the purchase of a multi-purpose vehicle. This purchase along with the delivery of a flusher truck will be funded through an equipment loan. This loan will be repaid through equipment reserve funds."

So far, it does not appear that the truck purchase has been put out for tender by the City.

Once it has, residents may gain a bit more information from Council as to the fate of any launch of curb side recycling in Prince Rupert.

For more notes related to North Coast Regional District see our archive page here.

A look at some of the past discussion items from Prince Rupert City Council see our archive here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.