Canada Post is no longer recycling on the North Island. The recycling bins in the local Port Hardy Canada Post office's lobby have recently been removed as ordered by head office.
As such, Canada Post is now no longer paying for recycling services and everything will go into the garbage instead. According to Kari Watkins, resident of Port Hardy and owner of Natural Impressions Photography, two outcomes from this decision are possible and "both of them are negative. Our landfill is going to be even more taxed with all the extra paper being thrown in the garbage, and more litter will be strewn all over town." Watkins added, "we already have a problem with people not using garbage cans resulting in unsightly messes around town - this is going to intensify the problem."
Watkins also suggested all North Island residents "request that no flyers and junk mail be placed in your mail boxes. This will contribute to a backup of paper at the Canada Post along with having retailers put pressure on Canada Post once they realize no one is receiving their advertising flyers," adding that we should "use social media, Facebook and Twitter to get this message out to the rest of Canada. Public outcry and pressure can create positive change."
When asked about this controversial decision, Eugene Knapick, a Canada Post Spokesperson, replied, "recycling waste bins were never intended to be placed in our post office lobbies. However, in some places bins were provided as a courtesy. We've found that many times all kinds of materials are placed in these bins, and as well, sometimes it leads to a litter problem. Local businesses pay us to deliver advertising material. We encourage our customers to take this home to review with the rest of their mail. Leaving this material, particularly if it's an addressed piece, can lead to identity theft." Knapick added, "it is in the best interest of our customers to dispose of any unwanted material at home with the rest of their recyclables. Canada Post has a Consumers Choice program that allows for people not to receive unaddressed advertising material."