The City is calling on residents and businesses to Sort It Right and avoid wishcycling to help reduce contamination in blue bins and prevent costly fines for mis-sorted waste and soiled recyclables. This collective effort is crucial to reducing contamination in blue bins, an issue that is incurring significant costs for taxpayers. Keeping recycling clean helps keep waste management costs down for everyone in Port Coquitlam.
Contamination occurs when either the wrong items are placed in carts, or when recyclables are not clean and dry. This leads to rejected loads and increased processing fees. These Blue Bin Villains include common items such as textiles, scrap metal, wood, durable plastic products (e.g., plastic toys or patio furniture), and unwashed containers. These materials cannot be processed through the blue bin recycling stream and must be diverted, resulting in avoidable expenses.
Become a PoCo Recycling Hero
The City encourages all residents to become a PoCo Recycling Hero by ensuring only accepted materials are placed in their blue bins. The City’s goal is for every resident to be a Recycling Superstar, recognized for their commitment to proper sorting. To support this effort and promote correct sorting, the City is launching the My Perfect Blue Bin Photo Contest.
Contest Details
Residents are invited to enter the contest in one of two ways:
Option 1: Show Us Your Perfectly Sorted Blue Bin!
- Take a photo of your correctly sorted blue bin.
- Submit your photo online at portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright and have a chance to win one of three $100 gift certificates to a local Port Coquitlam business.
Option 2: Play and Learn with the PoCo Sort and Report App!
- Download the PoCo Sort and Report App, available in your app store.
- Complete the Waste Sorting Game within the app to earn a certificate of completion.
- Email your certificate to [email protected] to claim an exclusive City swag package.
Those who consistently Sort It Right may even receive a You're a Recycling Superstar door hanger from the City Ambassadors as a token of appreciation for their efforts.
The contest runs from July 23 to August 31. Full rules and details can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
Resources for Proper Sorting
The Sort it Right! program provides a variety of user-friendly resources and tools, including:
- Sort & Report app – search for how to properly sort waste, create personalized collection schedules and alerts, report problems and more. Download for free at portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport.
- Sort it Right! Online search tool – learn how to properly dispose of items at portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
- Sort it Right! Waste Sorting & Services guide – a user-friendly guide with detailed collection and sorting information. Pick up the latest from City facilities or download from portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
- Community Calendar and Waste Collection Schedule. Delivered to doorsteps or available at City facilities each December.
- In-person support – Contact 604-927-5496 or drop by Public Works, 1737 Broadway St. to speak to with a Environmental Program Ambassador and pick up resources.
- Other online resources – portcoquitlam.ca/waste for a variety of information about the green cart program, recycling program and depots, and more.
By working together to Sort It Right and avoid wishcycling, we can ensure Port Coquitlam maintains an efficient and cost-effective recycling program, contributing to a greener and fiscally stronger community.
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