Solid Waste

Cariboo Regional District – Instead of just a penny for your thoughts, how about a chance to win a prize worth $200? Residents in the Cariboo Chilcotin are being asked to complete a short survey and give their input on the future of garbage, recycling and composting programs and services in the CRD. In return, they can enter their name into a draw for one of three prizes: $200 towards the purchase of a "green" prize that will reduce their carbon footprint, such as a tree or shrub, or a rain barrel, donated by Sperling Hansen Associates; a composter contributed by the Williams Lake Canadian Tire Store; or a CRD prize package. Deadline for survey entries is July 9, 2010.

"The Cariboo Regional District is responsible for solid waste management in the region and works with member municipalities and electoral areas to provide landfills and transfer station services. We’re just starting the process of updating our Solid Waste Management Plan," stated CRD Chair Al Richmond. "We want to hear how we can improve garbage and recycling services over the next 10 years. The survey kicks off the collection of community feedback on Solid Waste Management and we're looking forward to the input we receive."

The survey results will be shared with the Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee that has been formed to help with the process of updating the region’s solid waste plan. The Advisory Committee is made up of residents, community group representatives, local politicians, the recycling sector, First Nations, local business, local environmental/sustainability group representatives, a Ministry of Environment representative and local professionals from a number of different fields.

The results of the survey and feedback from the advisory committee will help guide the development of the plan, including what programs and services should be investigated for consideration. It is the starting point in the process, which also includes developing a list of options and costs and presenting these to the public at a series of open houses in early 2011.

Surveys can be returned several ways:

• Complete it online at www.cariboord.bc.ca
• Drop off at any CRD office or library
• Mail to Cariboo Regional District at Suite D 180 N. Third Ave., Williams Lake, BC V2G 2A4
• Email to talktrash@cariboord.bc.ca
• Fax to (250) 392-2812

For more information about the survey, the prizes and conditions that apply or the Solid Waste Management Plan process, visit the Cariboo Regional District website www.cariboord.bc.ca, phone 1-800-665-1636 or email talktrash@cariboord.bc.ca

Are you passionate about recycling? Are you interested in where your garbage goes? If so, then you may want to consider volunteering as a member of the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) new Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

The CRD is updating its Solid Waste Management Plan for the entire region. This plan provides direction for the types of garbage, recycling and other waste reduction programs we plan to develop over the next ten years. The goal is to create a plan with input from residents and businesses that will meet the needs for managing waste - for the good of our communities, our environment and our pocket books.

"Garbage is a community issue, so we are looking for people from across the region who are interested in participating on our Advisory Committee" says CRD Chair, Al Richmond "We are looking for people who represent a broad range of interests, including individuals, neighbourhood associations and businesses who can help us create a workable plan that meets our solid waste needs for the years to come."

Committee members will meet four to six times over the year, and will be required to do a little homework such as giving consideration to the ideas proposed, offering new ideas, providing suggestions on how best to share information with the public, and giving updates and getting feedback from any group or association represented. The Advisory Committee will help develop the Solid Waste Management Plan in consultation with the public to ensure that it represents the needs and the interests of our communities and our environment.

For more information on what is required of committee members or to apply for the committee, simply visit our website at www.cariboord.bc.ca or call our office at 250-392-3351 or toll free 1.800.665.1636 to receive your application form. Application profiles will be accepted until March 23, 2010.

Completed application forms can be sent to:

• Supervisor of Solid Waste Management
  Cariboo Regional District
  Suite D 180 N. Third Ave.,
  Williams Lake, BC V2G 2A4

or

talktrash@cariboord.bc.ca

The consultant report entitled "Waste to Bio-energy Feasibility Study" was received by the CRD Board of Directors at its meeting on January 22, 2010. The report will be considered during the update of the District's Solid Waste Management Plan. The report can viewed here (PDF, 1.8 MByte).