Editor:
Re: “Gibsons Recycling trims services as search for buyer continues,” Jan. 6.
With the loss of the material previously being recycled at Gibsons Recycling Depot (GRD), just watch how quickly the Sechelt dump fills up. I am so sad to hear this news.
I have been watching the few Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) staff reports on the tonnage going to the landfill for some years, ever since the SCRD signed the contract with Multi Materials BC (MMBC) in 2013. This was a contract that the District of Sechelt and Gibsons would have no part of in 2013.
In the odd report provided to the infrastructure services committee, I see the tonnage to the landfill going up while recycling tonnage is going down. The loss of the services provided by GRD may not have affected you just yet – but it will, big time. Remember, they are not making more landfills. With Pender Harbour garbage now being trucked to Sechelt and the additional stuff from this end of the Coast, can you imagine how quickly the landfill will reach saturation?
Maybe it’s time we started asking our directors for some facts and figures on waste/recycling. I have been asking at meetings for years, always being assured by staff that “a report will be provided to a future infrastructure services committee meeting.” Hey, I’m not holding my breath.
The SCRD contract with MMBC is up November 2017. Doesn’t it seem reasonable that the committee and the SCRD board have a full report on which to make timely decisions?
I had been asking for a recycling cost comparison from before contracting with MMBC and afterwards. Also what is the cost effect on the Sechelt landfill, and what is the lifespan of the landfill going forward?
Maybe, with more of us showing a concern on this issue, we will get action.
Vel Anderson, Elphinstone
