Cariboo RD seeks business input on solid waste management

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Nearly 900 Cariboo residents participated in a recent survey, providing input on the region’s current solid waste system and what they’d like to see in the future. To promote the survey participants were eligible to win ten prizes of $100 gift certificates to a local business of their choice. Winners were chosen in the North, Central-Chilcotin, and South Cariboo regions.

“Residents showed support for existing aspects of the current waste management system, such as recycling depots and share sheds,” commented CRD Solid Waste Management Committee Chair and Area G Director Al Richmond. “They also identified future needs ‑ with commercial recycling and food waste diversion rated as top priorities. The Advisory Committee is appreciative of everyone’s input and will use the survey results to inform the Solid Waste Management Plan Update.”

A workplace survey (September 10 through October 12) will seek input from owners, managers, or staff working at Cariboo businesses and institutions. The survey will identify the kinds of waste Cariboo businesses are generating and identify opportunities to work together to divert recyclables and compostable materials from the landfill. Businesses currently account for 43% of the 45,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste generated annually in the Cariboo region.

Please click here to access the online workplace survey and learn more about the Solid Waste Management Plan update.

Cariboo RD Solid Waste Management Plans to Talk Less Trash

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Cariboo residents are being asked for their input regarding how solid waste is managed in the region over the next decade. A two-year review of the regional solid waste management plan starts June 8, 2021, with the first of six online public meetings. The one-hour public meetings will also be accessible by phone. The sessions will provide Cariboo residents with overall context and background, as well as challenges and potential opportunities for improving the Cariboo’s solid waste system. The public meetings are also intended to provide a forum for residents to identify specific issues with current solid waste services and offer user perspectives. Visit cariboord.ca/talklesstrash to register in advance for a session.

“The CRD’s task is to determine what waste reduction and diversion programs are feasible for the Cariboo and what solutions best fit,” says Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Solid Waste Management Committee Chair and CRD Area G Director Al Richmond. “But only resident and business support and participation will make them successful. Participation in the survey will help ensure the updated plan meets the needs of our region.”

Throughout June, Cariboo residents will be asked to complete a waste and recycling survey as a part of the Talk Less Trash consultation process for the Solid Waste Management Plan update. Ideally, participants will complete the survey after attending a public meeting, to better understand the options and limitations faced in the region, however it can be completed independent of the meetings. A separate business-specific survey will also be available. The survey results will provide the Region with guidance on solid waste management options to consider for feasibility. Thank you in advance for your input; ten $100 gift cards will be awarded to residential and business survey participants!

Online meeting dates

• Tuesday, June 8, Noon - 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 16, Noon - 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Thursday, June 24, Noon -1:00 p.m. and 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

When the initial phase of consultation is completed and future options have been investigated, Cariboo residents will be asked to participate in a second survey to evaluate the feasibility and cost of new solid waste diversion programs and provide feedback on their preferred options. Please visit cariboord.ca/talklesstrash to view the solid waste public meeting schedule for June and to access the online survey.