Solid Waste Management Plan Update
The CRD is updating its Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). Phase one of the update determined how satisfied residents and businesses were with current solid waste services and determined what future services were of interest.
Residential survey results showed 86% of respondents were happy with their current solid waste services. Those respondents also indicated that future services and programs should prioritize increasing waste diversion, protection of the environment, and convenience.
The CRD’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee, comprised of interested residents, First Nation representatives, environmental organization members, industry representatives, and local government staff identified eight future options to further investigate:
- Diversion/Reuse Centers
- Multi-unit Building Recycling
- Commercial Recycling
- Food Waste Diversion
- Landfill Disposal Bans
- Modifications to Rural Sites
- User-Pay
- Curbside Garbage Collection for Select Rural Areas
Phase two of the update process surveyed residents on their support for the above-named options, which resulted with general support for six of the options. The proposal to expand user pay systems was the least popular option, with 52% of respondents indicating some level of support, 7% who were unsure, and 41% opposed.
In addition to the seven region-wide initiatives, nineteen rural communities were asked about proposals to establish rural curbside collection services in their neighbourhoods.
Nine communities were not in favour of the proposed service, including 93 Mile, Ranchettes-Horse Lake-Lone Butte, Pine Valley, Commodore Heights-168 Mile, Fox Mountain, Flett Subdivision, North Lake Side-Lexington, Esler, and River Park Road-Hilborn Road-Quesnel-Hixon Road, as such, these communities will not receive CRD provided curbside recycling and garbage services.
Four areas were in favor of the service, including South Lakeside, Red Bluff, 103 Mile, and Dog Creek Road. Pending approval of the updated Solid Waste Management Plan, these communities will be included in plans to implement the service.
The remaining six areas had moderate support, ranging between 55% and 75% endorsement for the new service. However, because participation levels were 10% or below, further engagement and consideration will be required and will take place during the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan. These communities include West Fraser Road, Rich Bar-Dragon Lake-Kersley, Bouchie Lake-Bouchie Creek-Pinnacles Park, Barlow Creek-Ten Mile Lake, 105 Mile, and Buffalo-Gateway.
What will the CRD do with this information?
The CRD’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee will review the results and comments from the phase two consultation process to assess regional support for the proposed waste reduction initiatives. Once this review is completed, the Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the CRD Board on which initiatives to include in the updated Solid Waste Management Plan.
A draft of the updated plan will be released in Fall 2023 and will be presented to the Municipal Councils for the District of 100 Mile House, City of Quesnel, District of Wells, and City of Williams Lake before being presented to the Regional District’s Board of Directors for approval. If approved by the Board, the plan would be submitted by the end of the year to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for review and approval.
The Solid Waste Management Plan will set forth waste management objectives to be achieved through the implementation of the waste reduction initiatives in the final plan. These initiatives will be implemented over the next ten years, meaning some services will be initiated sooner than others, while others will be subject to further consideration and planning prior to implementation.
How do I stay informed?
To stay informed and receive the latest plan updates, “subscribe” to this page below. You can also contact the Solid Waste Management Division at 1-800-665-1636.
The Cariboo Regional District has an updated Draft Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) to provide guidance on how our waste is managed. The Draft is the result of collaboration and input from the CRD’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC).
Read more on the SWMP Update |
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What? The Cariboo Regional District has an updated Draft Solid Waste Management Plan (Draft Plan) to provide guidance on how our waste is managed. The Province requires this plan to be updated each decade. Why? The businesses and residents of the CRD, City of Quesnel, City of Williams Lake and Districts of 100 Mile House and Wells add 640 kilograms of garbage per person per year to our landfills, which adds up to approximately 42,000 metric tonnes. We spend at least $140 per resident to manage solid waste every year with funding from property taxes, municipal taxes, tipping fees, and grants. We need to reduce our garbage generation to mitigate cost increases, meet resident’s recycling and composting expectations, work towards provincial targets, protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Context? The CRD wants to build on the successes of the 2013 Solid Waste Management Plan, which included waste wise education, improved recycling access, subsidized composter sales and yard and garden waste composting to divert organics, clean wood waste and concrete diversion, attending nine of the busiest rural refuse sites and landfill compliance assessments. These initiatives resulted in about 140 kg per person per year reduction in waste generation. Who? The Draft SWMP Update is the result of collaboration and input from the CRD's Solid Waste Advisory Committee, which is comprised of interested residents, First Nation representatives, environmental organization members, industry representatives, and local government staff. How? After reviewing public consultation feedback gathered in June of 2021, the Advisory Committee identified eight future options to reduce waste sent to landfills and improve refuse site compliance. If all options are undertaken, we could reduce landfilled waste by 100 kg per person per year, or 6,300 tonnes. Your role? We want your feedback on the Draft Plan Update. Take five minutes to complete the SWMP options survey.
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The (SWAC) incorporated public consultation feedback from 2021 to identify eight future options to reduce waste sent to landfills and improve refuse site compliance.
Click the icons below to learn more about each proposed option.
