The Fraser Valley Regional District has published a report on their plan to implement sorting requirements for organics and recyclables on Sept. 12.
The plan comes as the FVRD tries to divert recyclables and organic waste from disposal for a higher and better use, in line with the Province of British Columbia’s guidelines to achieve 350 kilograms per person disposal rate and 75 per cent coverage for the diversion of organic waste.
The report states that the reduction in the amount of waste going to landfills garnered “broad and strong public support” during their consultations. Across the region, 72 per cent of people surveyed lived in single-family homes and 15 per cent lived in multi-family buildings. Another 13 per cent were industrial, commercial and institutional sectors.
Three options for the process of implementation came up. Option A involved six months each for public awareness, begin sorting and monitoring. Enforcement would start in 18 months. Option B would have enforcement begin in 12 months, with six months spent on public awareness and sorting. Option C would give 12 months and six months to public awareness and sorting, with enforcement starting in 18 months.
The FVRD defines monitoring as a phase where service providers will “support residents/businesses through initial try-out of their new sorting system and make any necessary adjustments.” They also said enforcement refers to encouragement and collaboration with service providers to find solutions.
“One type of option won’t be the best solution for everyone, so it’s important to be prepared to troubleshoot and adjust. The FVRD is committed to a focus on information and education,” they said in a response to a question.
Respondents from Hope were more in favour of Option B, then Option A, then Option C. Option B and A are close in the numbers of supporters, while Option C was far behind. FVRD Area B was similar, except nobody chose Option C. In Area A, Option B saw the strongest support, while Option A and C were about equal in support.
Hope and Fraser Canyon residents also gave several written comments to the FVRD. Some responses showed support for the plan and wanted it to get implemented as soon as possible. An Area A resident said that they should have a recycling drop-off point in Boston Bar.
“We recycle as much as possible, but have to pack it up and drop it off in Chilliwack,” said the Area A resident. “A local depot would be so much easier. Landfills are so expensive. Anything we can do to reduce waste is necessary wherever you live.”
Others had questions and received responses from the FVRD.
An Area B resident asked how wildlife would be affected by this. In response, they said they “suspect wildlife impacts, if any, will be comparable to what has been observed in other jurisdiction with diversion programs.”