After months of waiting, locals can't be blamed for thinking that maybe a new recycle depot is not actually ever going to open.
However, authorities say it is—and soon-ish.
How it started
With Green For Life (GFL) closing its recycle depot in May, Recycle BC announced that the new organization Squamish DOX would open a replacement depot at the old Greyhound location at 40446 Government Rd. on June 1.
Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout B.C.
How it is going
June 1 came and went and it became clear the municipal permitting process wasn't complete on the new depot.
Summer has come and almost gone (fall is Sept. 22), but a spokesperson for RecycleBC said that, indeed, the original location is still in play.
The spokesperson notes the organization is waiting for the fire chief to confirm the depot’s business license.
"We are grateful for residents’ patience and hope to share an announcement very soon,” the spokesperson said.
The District of Squamish told The Squamish Chief it continues to provide guidance to the operator, Squamish DOX, on the licensing and permitting process to operate a new depot.
"We recognize the public’s frustration in the length of time this process is taking," district spokesperson Rachel Boguski said. "It’s an important and necessary step to ensure that the new facility can operate safely for all who will work there, as well as members of the public who visit there."
"The licensing and permitting process looks at things like access and egress, fire safety, building code compliance, and other important details that the District is legislated to oversee."
"All parties involved are working towards completing the process and opening the new site as soon as possible."
Options that currently exist for the public include:
- Squamish landfill drop-off for Recycle BC items
- GFL for items such as batteries, electronics and lightbulbs
- Various other locations and businesses for specific items
Boguski added that the Waste Wizard is a useful online tool to search by material for a drop-off location.
The tool is available online at squamish.ca/waste-diversion or via the Squamish Curbside Collection app (available for IOS and Android).
