Background

The Environmental Resource Management (ERM) division is responsible for municipal solid waste management, including waste reduction, recycling programs and the operation of Hartland Landfill. Environmental resource management in the capital region is based on the 5R hierarchy of Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, Resource Recovery and Residuals Management, with the goal of extending the life of Hartland Landfill by minimizing waste disposal and maximizing diversion opportunities. The newly drafted Capital Regional District (CRD) Solid Waste Management Plan has identified multi-family dwellings (MFD) (e.g. apartment and condo buildings) as an area of focus for enhanced outreach and education in order to increase diversion of waste from landfill.

Objective

Traditionally, MFD have higher rates of recycling contamination, improper sorting and more waste sent to landfill. MFD have varied organizational structures and many stakeholders involved in the decision-making process, including building owners, property management companies, building managers, strata councils, condominium owners and tenants.

The CRD is seeking a qualified consultant to complete market research which will identify who and how to best engage with MFD audiences. The research will identify key MFD stakeholders, their values and motivations and recommend outreach and communications channels and strategies to aid in educating and supporting behaviour change.

Along with waste diversion and reduction, other Environmental Services programs such as water conservation and source control may use results from this research to inform outreach and education initiatives in MFD’s tailored to their program objectives.

Scope

The general scope of work for this market research is outlined below:

• Design, plan and conduct the research (i.e., focus groups, surveys),
• Identify and recruit research/focus group participants as required,
• Analysis of results, and
• Preparation of a report with recommended strategies.