Proposed Landfill Bans
Over the years, the CRD has sought to ensure the conservation of Hartland landfill space and valuable resources. The practice of banning the disposal of specific wastes at Hartland landfill, when viable recycling alternatives are in place, has been used by the CRD since 1991. Current landfill bans include drywall (1991), cardboard, directories, large appliances, tires (1993), fill materials (1995), paper (1998) and yard and garden waste (2006). It is estimated that these bans have diverted over 600,000 tonnes of material from the landfill.
CRD staff are now recommending two additional materials (wood waste and product stewardship materials) from Hartland Landfill in 2010.
When would these new bans come into effect?
After public consultation and pending approval, the new proposed bans would be scheduled to come into effect in the summer of 2010.
How much tonnage are the bans anticipated to divert from Hartland landfill?
It is estimated that more than 8,000 tonnes of materials could be diverted from Hartland landfill by banning these materials. The 2004/2005 waste composition study showed that clean wood waste comprises 4% and treated wood 5% of the waste stream and product stewardship materials 2%.
Why are these items being considered for banning?
A landfill ban will maximize reuse, recycling and material/energy recovery of these products. Wood waste and product stewardship materials are not garbage. They are resources that can be reused to create other materials. Banning these materials will conserve landfill space and contribute to reaching the CRD’s waste diversion goal of 60% by 2013.
How can businesses comply with these new bans if they are introduced?
If introduced, banned materials will no longer be accepted in the garbage. Businesses will be responsible for organizing the collection and recycling of these materials.
How will the bans be enforced?
All bans are enforced by CRD bylaw officers at Hartland landfill. For the first six months after a ban implementation, officers issue recycling opportunity notices to notify customers that their loads contain banned materials. CRD staff will work with these customers and educate them about alternatives. Following this period, tickets will be issued with fines. The fine is $200 per load that contains a prohibited material.
How will the CRD consult with the public?
In order to create public awareness, understanding and commitment for the banning of these materials key stakeholders received a mail-out letter and were invited to meetings. Further consultation tools consisted of open houses, print advertising, media releases and other promotion (website, list serves, newsletters, etc.). To date, consultation is still underway.
What is the purpose of the consultation process?
The consultation process will attempt to engage all stakeholders to create public awareness, understanding and commitment for the proposed bans. It will serve to confirm end markets, identify potential challenges and develop solutions prior to a final decision by the CRD Board.
When will be consultation process take place?
Consultation initially was conducted from June to September 2009. A summary report of the consultation results was developed and further research is being conducted before the comprehensive report will be presented to the CRD Environment committee and Board in 2010.
Proposed Wood Waste Ban
What is included?
Wood waste includes clean and treated wood from construction and demolition activities. All clean wood waste is being considered for banning, including dimensional lumber, plywood, pallets, fencing, pressure treated lumber, demolition wood waste and painted wood.
What are the alternatives to land filling wood waste?
There are currently a number of locations throughout the region that accept wood waste for recycling. The Recycling Directory has a listing of locations that accept wood waste.
What happens to wood waste materials once they are recycled?
End use for wood waste is primarily as boiler fuel or other energy recovery options. Other recycling options include composting, animal bedding, landscaping, etc.
Proposed Product Stewardship Materials Ban
What is included?
Product stewardship provides consumers with the opportunity to recycle or safely dispose of leftover or expired products. The following materials are included in this program: beverage containers, solvents and flammable liquids, gasoline and pesticides, pharmaceuticals, tires, automotive batteries, paint, oil and oil containers and electronic products such as computers and televisions.
What are the alternatives to landfilling product stewardship materials?
Product stewardship materials can be recycled through various product stewardship programs, ranging from return-to-retail to drop off depots.
What happens to product stewardship materials once they’re recycled?
The life cycle management of product stewardship materials provides many opportunities for reprocessing and new product development including items such as: aluminum cans, insulation, toilet paper, circuit boards, recycled oil and rebar.
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