City reminding residents to safely dispose of hazardous waste

KAMLOOPS – After some dangerous discoveries in curbside material, the City of Kamloops is reminding residents to get rid of hazardous waste items safely.

The City says in a release that a live bullet was recently discovered in an audit of curbside recycling. This follows hazardous items being found in nearly half of 2019’s audited samples.

According to the City, it’s not just Kamloops either. Other incidents around B.C have involved fires in recycling plants and vehicles due to improper disposal of items such as propane cylinders, and lithium batteries.

“Hazardous materials are a major safety concern when placed in garbage and recycling collection containers. They can cause explosions and fires and needlessly put City staff and the workers in the recycling and landfill industry at risk, ” says Allan Michener, the City’s Environmental Services Supervisor.

To find where to dispose of a hazardous, or questionable item, the City urges residents to download and use the Waste Wise app.

Meantime, the City has partnered with the Thompson Nicola Regional District on a free opportunity for residents to drop off various items for safe disposal. The household hazardous waste roundup event will be held Saturday October 3 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m along Mission Flats Road near the landfill.

The City has some requests for residents looking to participate:

• prepare an easily accessible load (i.e. box in the trunk of a car or truck box)
• remain in your vehicle – staff will unload your items, but please note staff will not be accessing back seats of vehicles to collect items.
• expect longer wait times as we follow COVID-19 protocols.
• commercial volumes of materials will not be accepted.