RDCK rounds up more than 25,000 litres of hazardous liquids
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Regional District of Central Kootenay hazardous waste cowboys were outing full force the past two months, rounding up more than 25,000 litres of liquids during five events throughout the West Kootenay.
“The results demonstrate that the residents of the RDCK and Municipalities want to do the right thing and dispose of hazardous materials safely,” said Uli Wolf, General Manager of Environmental Services.
“All the events were very well attended and we are pleased with the volume of materials that were collected.”
During Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events in Castlegar, Creston, Kaslo, Nakusp and Nelson the RDCK disposed of approximately 26,965 liters of hazardous liquids.
Other miscellaneous items such as fire extinguishers, mercury, lead and compressed gas cylinders totaling 2,987 kg were also collected at the events.
An additional 8,335 liters of paint, 1,034 kg of batteries, 4,800 kg of electronic waste and 821 kg of electrical appliances were collected at no charge to the RDCK by the Product Stewards.
John Kettle, RDCK Board Chair, said these results strongly demonstrate that improved services for Product Stewardship Programs is needed in the region.
“The round-up events were a worthwhile endeavour as there was a huge volume of toxic materials that were collected,” Kettle explains, adding 2013 marks the second year in a row that the RDCK has organized collection events for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste at no charge.
“This demonstrates to us that the Stewardship Programs are not adequately servicing this area.
Kettle said the RDCK would like to thank all the Volunteers, Product Stewardship Organizations, the Nelson Leafs Bottle Depot and Contractors who worked hard at the events to ensure residents were served quickly and safely.
Many common household products are toxic and can damage the environment if tossed in the garbage or flushed down the drain.
Some materials collected at the round-up events like paint and electronics are recycled, while other hazardous materials are safely disposed of.
For more information about what was collected at the events: www.rdck.bc.ca. For information on BC’s product stewardship programs, including depot locations, visit: www.rcbc.bc.ca or 1-800-667-4321.
