Editor:
I was recently informed by one of my neighbours that he doesn’t recycle anymore due to the new changes in effect since May 2014. As a citizen who has promoted recycling in every way possible, I see a need to clear this up for those who do not understand.
First of all, new products accepted for recycling were introduced at that time, such as milk and soup cartons, paper drink cups, even aerosol cans, but plastic bags are not accepted and the reason for this was not a decision made by the Town of Ladysmith — this was a provincial decision that the industries which produce these materials are now financially and environmentally responsible for end-of-life management of several consumer products. MMBC now pays for our recycling program by charging businesses a small recycling fee in which funds are passed on to the Town of Ladysmith for the curbside collection.
In other words, recycling costs us, the public, nothing.
It is our responsibility to do our part, each and every one of us, to educate and show an example to future generations, to raise our consciousness and accept our responsibility for the waste we create.
Shame on anyone who does not utilize these services when the rest of us are doing our part.
And for those who choose to take it a step further, drop-off depots will take other materials not picked up at the curb — and they are all conveniently close to all of us.
Paul O’ReillyLadysmith