Central Okanagan book recycling program extended

Following a successful three-month trial, the Regional District of Central Okanagan has decided to extend its book recycling pilot program through the rest of the year.

The Regional District (RDCO) launched its pilot program in mid-April after seeing many books tossed in the curbside recycling carts.

Recycle B.C. does not accept books and the RDCO said they count towards the contamination rates, noting contamination in the past have led to significant surcharges.

Since starting the project, the RDCO has diverted 14,000 kg of books from the landfill, and the program is being expanded so it can run through to the end of this December.

“It’s encouraging to see residents making great use of this pilot program so that books don’t land in curbside carts, or unnecessarily at the landfill. Working together toward reducing our overall contamination rates is a win all round,” Rae Stewart, Waste Reduction Facilitator with the RDCO, said.

Books that are gently used can be donated to the Okanagan Regional Library Friends of the Library groups, which raise money for programs, local used book stores, charities and thrift stores.

Books that are damaged or are five years or older can be recycled at the Rutland, Mission and downtown branches in Kelowna, as well as at the libraries in West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland.

The recycled books are sorted through, and those in good quality are cleaned and resold, while the rest have their bindings cut off and the paper recycled.