Committed to Community and Environmental Responsibility

At North Thompson Waste Management, our dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being is central to everything we do. Working alongside the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), we proudly support the Mandatory Recyclable Material Bylaw, an important regulation that aims to reduce the amount of waste ending up in our landfills. This bylaw not only reflects our commitment to sustainable waste management but also enhances our shared responsibility to create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

The Importance of the Mandatory Recyclable Material Bylaw

The TNRD's Mandatory Recyclable Material Bylaw enforces a ban on certain materials from being improperly disposed of or sent to landfills across the region. This regulation is not unique to the Thompson-Nicola area; similar bylaws have been successfully implemented in other regions across British Columbia, proving to be effective tools in preserving our landfills and reducing environmental impact. By diverting recyclable materials, we minimize the strain on landfill space and protect local ecosystems from harmful waste byproducts.

The bylaw applies to all solid waste facilities in the Thompson-Nicola region, including TNRD Eco-Depots, transfer stations, City of Kamloops landfills, and even privately-owned landfills. With convenient options for recycling these materials, the bylaw supports residents in responsibly managing their waste and aligns with provincial sustainability goals.

For a full list of materials covered under the bylaw, as well as where to take them, please visit tnrd.ca/acceptedmaterials.

What Materials Are Covered?

A wide range of materials are included in the ban, ensuring that items with significant environmental impact are recycled and reused whenever possible. The list of restricted items includes:

• Old Corrugated Cardboard

• Antifreeze and Antifreeze Containers

• Batteries (including lead-acid batteries)

• Flammable Liquids and Solvents

• Fluorescent Lights

• Propane Tanks

• Gasoline and Diesel

• Residential Pesticide Products

• Residential Packaging and Printed Paper

• Refundable Beverage Containers

• Pharmaceutical Products and Medications

• Oil, Oil Filters, and Oil Containers

• Paint and Paint Containers

• Electronics and Electrical Products (including metal appliances)

• Mattresses and Boxsprings

• Thermostats

• Tires

By keeping these materials out of our landfills, we are actively reducing waste, conserving resources, and preventing potentially harmful substances from leaching into our soil and water systems. Recycling and responsibly disposing of these items also helps conserve energy, cut down on emissions, and prevent waste-related pollution.

Enforcement and Fines: What You Need to Know

To ensure compliance with the bylaw, TNRD has designated inspectors who are authorized to enforce regulations at disposal facilities. Although landfill staff do not issue fines, inspectors have the authority to impose penalties on haulers or customers who attempt to dispose of designated materials improperly.

Here’s how the fines work:

• If a load contains more than 10% of cardboard, residential paper and packaging, or refundable beverage containers by volume, a fine of 50% of the applicable tipping fee may be applied. For example, a one-tonne load with these materials would result in a disposal fee of $90 plus a $45 fine, totaling $135.

• For other mandatory recyclable items, a fine of $50 per item may be charged.

The TNRD encourages prompt payment by offering a reduced fine for payments made within 30 days, while fines increase if they remain unpaid after this period.

North Thompson Waste Management’s Role in a Sustainable Future

At North Thompson Waste Management, we are proud to support this bylaw as it aligns with our mission to foster a sustainable future. We strive to be a reliable partner in responsible waste management by educating our community about the importance of recycling, providing accessible waste disposal services, and collaborating with TNRD to help residents and businesses reduce their environmental footprint.

By working together to adhere to these recycling standards, we can all contribute to the health and beauty of our natural surroundings and protect valuable resources. Your commitment to following the Mandatory Recyclable Material Bylaw directly supports the community’s efforts to create a cleaner, greener Thompson-Nicola region.

For more information on recycling options and designated drop-off locations, please visit the TNRD Accepted Materials page or contact us directly at North Thompson Waste Management.

Together, let’s keep Thompson-Nicola clean, green, and beautiful for generations to come.