No fines for Kamloops residents who throw out recyclables

KAMLOOPS – Residents who are unable, or unwilling, to store their recyclables will not be fined by the city for tossing them in the trash. 

While not encouraging this, the city will not be taking measures to fine offenders. Public Works Director Jen Fretz says the city’s position continues to be for residents to store their recycling or drop it off to one of three recycling depots in town.

Kamloops has been without curbside recycling pick-up for about five weeks because of a labour dispute. Employees at Emterra Environmental, which holds a contract with the city for sorting recyclables, began strike action June 22.

Fretz says the current bylaw in place that could result in fines only covers cardboard, newspapers and grass clippings.

“We wouldn't be able to act on people putting bottles into their garbage,” she says.

Community Safety and Enforcement Manager Jon Wilson echoes Fretz, saying bylaw officers are not looking to fine residents.

“I’ve been given no direction to do that,” he says.

The city also says a refund will not be issued. Currently, residents pay $33 a year on their utility bills to cover recycle pick-up. The rationale is there will be an influx of recycling and subsequent costs after the strike ends.

“I would suspect that if the strike continues for a number of additional weeks, then other options (such as a refund) may be given greater consideration,” Fretz says.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.