Editor:
This statement was made by Dion Whyte (Coast Reporter, Jan. 15): "While the Sunshine Coast has had some success with increasing recycling opportunities for residents and businesses on the Coast, we recognize that the future is going to need more creative ways to deal with our waste. We are eager to get public input from across the region to look at how we move towards the ultimate goal of zero waste."
I ask: "What increased recycling opportunities?" The public have witnessed only questionable ability of Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) staff to deal with the solid waste/recycling issues. Take the latest electronic waste fiasco as an example, where the SCRD were advised by the Ministry of Environment to cover the e-waste pile in 2008; however, staff chose to ignore the advisory. Had that advisory been in writing and ignored, we, the taxpayers, could have faced a very hefty fine.
SCRD failed the taxpayer again as ENCORP, under their large volume generator program, was set up to remove the e-waste pile in summer of 2009 (at no cost to taxpayers). Again SCRD failed to follow through.
Creative ways to deal with our waste? Hazardous electronic waste from the e-waste pile now sits in a container at the landfill.
Eager to get public input? The public, through numerous presentations to the SCRD, have outlined innovative ideas, provided helpful information and workable suggestions; however, it goes unheeded.
A move toward the ultimate goal of zero waste? This can't be so, otherwise, why is Styrofoam not being recycled, instead of taking up expensive space in our two landfills?
The public has a right to be concerned.
Bill Anderson
Elphinstone
