Invermere buys new make-up

DOI’s Community Enhancement Program.

In early 2008, the District of Invermere undertook the development of a Community Enhancement Program (CEP) to beautify certain designated areas of the community. Kinsmen Beach, the downtown core, Pothole Park and Athalmer were the focus of the plan. [Read more]

Producers soon to recycle batteries, antifreeze

B.C. introduces new recycling regulations.

Ministry of Environment.

Antifreeze and lead-acid batteries will be required to be part of producer-led recycling programs as a result of changes to B.C.’s recycling rules, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.

The addition of lead-acid batteries and antifreeze to the recycling regulation will require producers to develop, and submit for approval, recycling programs for these products by July 2011. This is the same year manufacturers will be required to add a bittering agent to ethylene glycol antifreeze under the antifreeze regulation, which was approved earlier this year to protect pets and children from the risk of poisoning. Antifreeze containers will also be included in recycling regulations. By July 2011, people will be able to recycle antifreeze and its container as easily as oil, pesticides and paint. [Read more]

It's okay to re-gift presents

It’s okay to re-gift presents! …and other tips for a green holiday.

By Diane Kossman.

Canadians are cutting down on their waste this holiday season according to Waste Management Inc., who recently commissioned a survey through Ipsos Reid to learn more about Canadians’ holiday habits and encourage ‘greener’ traditions. Among other findings, the survey revealed that half of Canadians are re-gifting – which could be a good thing for the environment. Diane Kossman, Senior Manager of Communications for Waste Management, has the following tips to help you make the season green. [Read more]

Cellphone recycling

Recycling your old cellphone is now easier than ever.

Ministry of Environment.

British Columbians will now have access to a web-based program that provides quick information to those looking for a place to recycle their old cellphones, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.

“Within seconds of entering my postal code at RecycleMyCell.ca, I was directed to seven drop-off locations within four kilometres of my office where I could take my old cellphone for recycling,” said Penner. “This program diverts e-waste from our landfills and is consistent with the goals of our recycling regulation, which makes producers responsible for the lifecycle management of products they sell in B.C.” [Read more]

Electronics drop off a success

Thousands of kilograms of electronics were collected for recycling during a one-day Electronics Drop Off in Invermere on Saturday.

The event was organized by Encorp, the company that oversees the Return-It Electronics Program across the Province, and turned out to be a big success.

“During the Event, they collected 11 pallets of electronics totalling over 3700 kilograms,” says RDEK Communications Manager, Loree Duczek. “We are thrilled with the results and certainly appreciate Encorp’s efforts in organizing the event. Having said that, we hope the participation and amount of material collected reinforces the need to have a permanent electronics depot established in the Valley.” [Read more]

Electronics recycling drop off – Aug 29

August 29, Invermere –

Electronics round-up set to go for Columbia Valley.

Residents of the Columbia Valley will be able to recycle some of their old electronics later this month during a one-day Electronics Drop Off in Invermere.

The event is being organized by Encorp, the company that oversees the Return-It Electronics Program across the Province, and will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 10:00am- 3:00pm in the Invermere Community Hall parking lot. [Read more]

Improper 'recycling' of insecticides angers RDEK

Press release –

Haz Mat Incident Raises Ire of RDEK.

The RDEK is reminding the public about the importance of properly disposing of recyclables, garbage and other materials after insecticide was dumped in a recycling bin and sent several employees at the Materials Recycling Facility to Hospital yesterday. [Read more]

Trash to Treasure in West Kootenay

April 18 –

Every spring, to celebrate Earth Day, communities throughout the West Kootenay and Kootenay-Boundary regions hold a big yard sale — with a twist. The twist is that everything is free. It is all part of a region-wide tradition, now in its fifth year, called Trash to Treasure or T2T. [Read more]

To recycle or not to recycle?

Recycling is still an issue. It takes time and energy. It takes planning. Even in Invermere, with their new “blue box” program, you have to be organized. Does it ever get tiresome? Do you ever just want to throw away recyclable items? I will examine these issues and some of the ramifications of our decisions and the decisions of authorities. I will also try to help with a few ideas. I look forward to your comments!

Is it really worth it to take your bottles and cans in for recycling? I will look at where items that you pay a deposit on can be recycled.  How much of your deposit money can you actually get back? How much time and effort will it take?  You will be able to comment on how this works for you and provide feedback to the article and the issue. [Read more]