CRD Board endorses "in principle" SWMP

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The final draft of the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) Updated Solid Waste Management Plan was approved in principle last night during a Special CRD Board of Directors Meeting. The plan will now be presented to the North, Central and South Cariboo Joint Committees over the summer and early fall. Once consultation has occurred with the municipalities, the proposed plan will be forwarded to the Ministry of Environment for provincial endorsement.

Over the last two years the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, CRD staff and consultants have gathered information from regional residents in order to develop a comprehensive 10-year plan that includes access to recycling for all CRD residents, and a gradual 50 per cent diversion of solid waste by 2021, while maintaining an affordable system.

“A tremendous amount of work, research and consideration has been invested in this proposed Solid Waste Management Plan,” stated CRD Chair Al Richmond. “Thank you to the 24 volunteer committee members from across the region, and our Solid Waste Management staff for their countless hours of dedication to this project and bringing the plan to fruition.”

The proposed plan is comprised of three phases which will be spread over the 10-year lifetime of the Solid Waste Management Plan. Phase one calls for the conversion of nine of the Regions busiest transfer stations and landfills to controlled sites, with provisions for recycling facilities and improved services for over-sized items, metals and wood waste. The remaining rural communities will also gain access to recycling. Back yard composters are proposed to be sold at a discount to rural and municipal residents for a two to three year period depending on demand.

In Phase two, the establishment of Eco Depots in each of the CRD’s member municipalities (Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and Quesnel) would be undertaken. Windrow composting of yard, garden and veggie waste is also proposed to be trialed to determine feasibility.

The third and final phase would see a continuation of a number of initiatives such as improved public education campaigns, sorting of demolition and wood waste, and improved hauling efficiencies.

Further information about the Cariboo Regional District’s Solid Waste Management program is available online at cariboord.bc.ca or by calling the Environmental Services Department at 250-392-3351 or toll free 1-800-665-1636.