Results are In on Survey for new CRD Solid Waste Management Plan

From the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee has received the results of the 2010 survey which was conducted this past summer. The next step will be to identify the priorities and the associated costs of the suggestions leading into stage 2 of the Review process.


A total of 869 responses were received that will be used to help establish a snapshot of the existing programs and highlight the areas where residents feel the CRD should focus the plan for the future. Of those responses, 142 were mailed, while 727 were completed online.


“The survey results clearly show that efficient and responsible waste management is important to our residents,” says CRD Chair Al Richmond. “This information will help provide a clearer picture of what types of recycling, waste reduction and landfill programs are of interest to our residents.”


Overall, residents across the region were generally satisfied with their current waste management services.
Key highlights of preferences for future programs included:
• Expand recyclables collection programs or drop-off locations, especially in rural areas
• Increase the types of materials that can be recycled, such as plastics and glass
• Provide better information on how to recycle electronics as well as hazardous waste materials like batteries, paint cans, propane tanks, etc.
• Investigate options and costs for waste to energy (technologies for turning solid waste into energy through different combustion processes)
• Provide drop-off locations for yard waste composting.


The survey was undertaken as a first step in updating the region’s solid waste management plan, which is required by the Ministry of Environment. Once approved, the plan will provide direction for what new services could be offered in the years to come that will help the CRD reduce waste and conserve resources.


“Public input is key to developing a plan that meets the needs of our communities,” stated Richmond. “This survey is only one of the many activities planned to gain feedback on future waste management programs. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in the survey.”


Public input on the survey started with the new Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee, made up of residents, community groups, business, local government and Ministry of Environment representatives, reviewed the survey to help ensure questions are relevant and meaningful.


Next, the Committee will review the results and work with the consultants to develop options for new recycling or waste management programs, including the potential costs for residents and businesses. These options and costs will be presented to communities across the region at a series of open houses, to be held in the spring of 2011.


A complete copy of the survey is available on the CRD website at http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/ along with the minutes of the Advisory Committee meetings.