— After study, final report to be done by March 31 —
(OSOYOOS TIMES — Feb. 28, 2007) —
A pilot project looking at ways to reduce agricultural plastics waste in landfills and prevent the burning of these materials is having some success, says a Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) spokesperson.
The RDOS, with partial funding from the province and co-operation from the Town of Osoyoos to allow the waste to be dropped off at the Osoyoos Landfill, launched the pilot project in November to examine ways to use recycled agricultural plastics.
The project is still underway and is expected to conclude next month, but RDOS General Manager of Development Services Marty Willfong says preliminary data is showing good participation from farmers and support from the general public. The responses have been positive.rnWillfong explains one of the goals of the pilot project was to get a wide sample of materials from each of the farming industries in order to conduct trials.
RDOS is now determining how the recycled plastics can be used and potential markets for them. Some of the end use products from recycled ground-cover plastic and greenhouse film include patios, park benches and fenceposts.
Hard plastics, such as chemical containers, can also be recycled under a different program. These plastics need to be triple-rinsed, with caps and booklets removed, and returned to the dealer.
Willfong says RDOS will need to study the final results before it can determine whether or not the recycling pilot project will become a long-term program.
If data show it was successful in terms of participation rates and we can confirm there is a market available to send the recycled plastics to, it could be [a permanent program].
Meanwhile, he says the RDOS pilot project is still accepting agricultural plastics at the Osoyoos Landfill. A final report will be made to the province by March 31.
The Osoyoos Landfill is participating in the program by dropping tipping fees on all agricultural plastics for the duration of the program, and creating pick-up and drop-off locations for the empty and filled recycle bags.
