Effective immediately, Soft Plastics Recycling – meaning wrappers, packaging and blue wrap – will no longer be available at Lower Mainland Healthcare Organization (LMHO) hospitals and residential sites.

All options were considered before making the final decision to remove soft plastics. Understandably, this is disappointing news for many LMHO staff who have worked hard to recycle soft plastics. Over the next few months, all soft plastics recycling bins will be removed.

Why? 

• The international market for soft plastics produced at our facilities is weak. (Our items are small and made up of different grades and types of plastics.)
• The majority of contamination is found in the soft plastics stream, i.e., gloves, IV bags.
• Local recycling processors perceive contaminated healthcare waste to be hazardous to their employees.

Background

LMHOs have a new recycling processor since January 2015. The key to developing a long-term relationship with our processor is taking steps towards reducing contamination and working with facility staff to improve waste segregation practices.

The good news is, since 2010, overall waste diversion rates from incineration through recycling and composting at LMHA acute care and residential sites have increased significantly. Waste shrink wrap produced in the warehouses will continue to be recycled. This material has value as it is consistent, and not mixed with other plastics and is produced in large quantities.

Information / Involvement

1. Recycling & Waste Segregation Guide for information on where to dispose of specific items: https://bcgreencare.ca/resource/rrp-recycling-and-waste-segregation-guide
2. To get involved in finding ways to reduce materials use, along with addressing other sustainability issues at work, contact: Green+Leaders Coordinator Woo@fraserhealth.ca
3. For information on the Recycling Renewal Program: janousek@fraserhealth.ca
4. For Health Authority environmental sustainability information: https://ca/program/recycling-renewal-program

Looking ahead

We will continue to monitor contamination of recycling bins for paper, hard plastic containers and tin. If contamination persists, bins will be removed. Thank you for taking care when recycling to retain the program in your area.