The Regional District of Nanaimo is increasing public education and outreach efforts to reduce contamination in curbside recycling.
The RDN said the region’s contamination rate exceeded acceptable thresholds for an extended period in 2025 and remains above allowable limits.
A statement from the RDN said contamination in carts can be the result of improper materials being placed in recycling bins.
To reduce contamination levels, the RDN is implementing enforcement measures to encourage compliance:
- First offence: Cart tag identifying non-compliant materials found in the recycling cart.
- Second offence: Cart tag and formal written notice outlining required corrective actions and potential consequences.
- Third offence: Final written warning indicating further non-compliance will result in enforcement measures.
- Subsequent offences: Enforcement, including a penalty of $500 per occurrence and potential suspension of curbside recycling services if contamination continues.
“This approach is intended to balance education with enforcement, support behaviour change and ensure compliance with program requirements and Recycle BC contractual obligations,” the RDN said in a statement.
The RDN said continued contamination above allowable thresholds could result in fines of up to $120,000 per year from Recycle BC.
