After making rounds at recent open houses, the solid waste management plan (SWMP) is set to receive a few final tweaks to its final draft.
Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) directors held a special meeting on July 22 to discuss feedback collected from the open houses.
Dion Whyte, manager of sustainable services, presented the data and explained that in addition to feedback, results from a survey filled out by more than 300 people were also examined to help form the draft plan.
A number of initiatives were included in the survey as part of the SCRD's ultimate goal to divert garbage from landfills and achieve zero waste. Many of the ideas garnered approval from the public, including a "pay-as-you-throw" system and a ban on readily recyclable materials from the landfill.
The provision of enhanced "one stop" recycling drop-off centres, also known as resource recovery facilities, in Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour garnered public support.
Implementing a bi-weekly curbside recycling program also received support from all areas, but came with mixed views. Many respondents said they were satisfied with existing drop-off facilities and therefore felt curbside recycling pick-up was unnecessary.
However, comments sup-porting curbside were made, citing its convenience and belief that curbside would lead to more participation in recycling within the community.
Currently, Sechelt is the only area on the Sunshine Coast that has implemented curbside recycling, but Roberts Creek and Halfmoon Bay could be jumping on board.
New recommendations for the plan would see the two communities participate in a curbside recycling pilot program that would also collect food scraps. The pilot would assist in evaluating the feasibility of a permanent service and potential future expansion to other areas. Directors voted to apply for grant money in order to fund the pilot.
Roberts Creek director Donna Shugar said her area supports curbside recycling and food scrap collection. She also suggested a potential variable system of collection, which Whyte said could be examined.
Directors called for a number of changes to the draft, particularly related to wording, clearer language and having options within recommendations, which directors passed as amended. The draft SWMP will be up for final adoption at the next board meeting. A few last steps remain, including the draft being forwarded to the member municipalities for their information as well as approval from the province.
The final stage of implementation will most likely be decided during the next round of budget talks, with a goal of having all programs rolled out over a five-year period.
