Zero waste is the newest buzz word on the eco scene, but what is the road map to getting there?
One way BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is facilitating the journey is by requiring all regional districts to submit a solid waste management plan for how they will reduce, reuse, recycle and manage their waste. The 10-year plans are put together by an advisory committee, approved by the regional district board, presented to the public for their feedback and then finally reviewed by the environment ministry before approval.
Powell River is currently in the public consultation phase of its plan and is hosting a series of open houses throughout the region that the public is invited to attend.
Key recommendations of the draft plan include:
1. Cleanup of the contamination at the former incinerator site on Marine Avenue and establishment of a resource-recovery centre with a waste-transfer station.
2. Increasing participation in city and regional district recycling programs by making operations easier for residents.
3. Increasing recycling by area businesses through encouragement, education and restricting recyclable materials such as cardboard and paper from the garbage.
4. Composting more yard and food waste by having a local drop-off site and curbside collection for homes in the city, and restricting the disposal of yard and food waste from the garbage.
5. Increase the reuse and recycling of waste from construction and demolition projects by offering more recycling and reuse opportunities at the resource-recovery centre.
6. Progress on the closure of the old airport landfill and Squatters Creek dumpsite.
7. Developing an invasive species disposal plan to stop the spread by providing better disposal options.
8. Developing a regional illegal dumping strategy using a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach.
9. Developing a regional disaster debris management plan so we are better prepared if a major disaster occurs.
Be part of the plan by coming out to one of the consultation sessions or by going to powellriverrd.bc.ca and clicking on the Zero in on Waste logo. Each open house will feature a series of display panels for viewing, followed by a presentation and question-and-answer period and an opportunity to provide feedback.
Let’s Talk Trash is Powell River Regional District’s waste-management education program.
