The Regional District of Nanaimo’s mandatory Waste Source Separation bylaw is now in effect.
The bylaw, as of Jan. 1, requires commercial, multi-family and institutional properties throughout the RDN to have separate, partitioned waste containers for garbage, recycling and organics.To help property owners and managers implement the new waste diversion program, the RDN will focus on education rather than enforcement for the first six months.
The new bylaw, like the program already in place for single-family residences, applies to all properties across the regional district which includes Electoral Areas A, B, C, E, F, G and H, the City of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville, City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach.
Property owners and managers are responsible for coordinating the collection and proper management of separated waste with their waste collection service provider.
Properties impacted by the bylaw include: Island Health facilities/medical clinics; school districts and Vancouver Island University; municipal facilities; hotels, motels and other similar accommodations; restaurants and other food service businesses; office buildings; condominiums and apartments.
For more information on the MWSS bylaw, to ask questions, to watch a recorded webinar and to subscribe to receive project updates, visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/waste-separation. Updates, including additional office hours, will be posted to the project page.
Staff will be available in person during the following drop-in office hours to answer questions:
— Jan. 16, Gabriola Library, 575 N Rd., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
— Jan. 28, Bowser Legion, 7035 Island Hwy W, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
— Jan. 30, Nanaimo Harbourfront Library (Creative Commons), 90 Commercial St., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
— Feb. 5, Parksville Community Centre, 223 Mills St., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
— Feb. 13, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
