Just when you thought you had the sorting of your household recycling figured out, the Thompson- Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has advised that their mixed recycling program will be undergoing a change starting Sept. 5. As of that date the TNRD will no longer be able to accept plastic bags in with mixed recycling. The TNRD notes in a press release sent out this week, “Because recycling recovery facilities throughout B.C. have changed to meet new standards, these facilities are no longer able to process plastic bags in mixed recycling loads.” However, the regional district does say that plastic bags can still be taken to any TNRD Eco-Depot or Transfer Station to be recycled separately. They are advising area residents to also check if their grocery store has a plastic bag “take back” program, or inquire at their local bottle depot for recycling options. There are many ways to reuse plastic bags, such as garbage bags in vehicles or smaller garbage cans, or as padding in parcels and packages. They are also handy when cleaning up after pets. If bags can’t be reused or recycled, they can be disposed of in household garbage. This change impacts the entire TNRD recycling program, and also includes curbside collection in Cherry Creek, Savona, Tobiano, Blue River, Avola, Clearwater, Cache Creek, Ashcroft, Chase, Logan Lake and Merritt. This change is also applicable to all TNRD Eco-Depots and Transfer Stations including the Louis Creek Eco Depot and the Heffley Creek Eco Depot that service our immediate area. For more details about the Thompson Nicola Regional District recycling program