Waste Reduction in BC 2006 Survey Results

Context

Objectives

Methodology Quick and dirty, 7K budget Identify similar research $20/mth on-line survey software that compiles results for the group, produces a completed survey for each participant and generates spreadsheet of raw data Development of tables to show results by RD for selected questions Some chasing

Existing Studies MSW Tracking Report Landfill Bans by Helen S for RCBC Post-survey publications –FBC report –Powell River RD –Others (please share!)

Data Limitations Data is only as good as the interpretation of the questions and the accuracy of the information provided Much more analysis can be done to correlate factors affecting practices – take our data please!

New BC Target? no clear consensus – not an easy question Seven respondents mention zero waste Four mention setting targets based on the region, sector, and available funding and enforcement support from MOE. Six don't think a new target should be set 5% per year 75% 30% over 2004 level So what? Setting a new target not as simple as the first time around.

Waste Reduction Targets >50% = 27% or % = 42% or 11 <20% = 30.8% or 8

Integrated Goals and Strategies

Air Quality 22% Emergency Preparedness 11% Natural landscaping 11% Energy management 14% Other 30% –Liquid waste –Biosolids –Organic pest management plan

Integrated Education

Seeing is believing

EPR Provide a collection site 42% Promote sites free of charge 65% Fee for service for siting and operations 30% Mediation role 4% Guidelines or policies NO 73%

EPR in Terrace

In-vessel Composting If there is an operating in-vessel composting system, please provide details on ownership. ResponsePercent Response Total 100% RD owned 3.8% 1 100% owned by two or more RDs 0% 0 100% owned by private interest 15.4% 4 Private-public partnership 0% 0 N/A 69.2% 18 Other (please specify) 11.5% 3 Total Respondents 26 (skipped this question) 1 Only 5 Regional Districts have centralized in-vessel composting systems as this time.

Organics Diversion in Vernon

Giant worm composting bins

Raw data

What efforts have been made to divert organics from your landfills? 34.6% (9) Have completed feasibility studies for centralized composting 7.7% (2) Are currently siting a facility for in- vessel composting 69.2% (18) Have a drop-off for windrow composting of yard and garden organic material 19.2% (5) Provide seasonal pick up of yard and garden materials 3.8% (1) Provide year round residential pick up of all organics

What efforts have been made to divert organics from your landfills? 34.6% (9) Have or are considering banning yard and garden organics from landfills 19.2% (5) Promotion of natural landscaping 53.8% (14) Promotion of backyard composting and grass cycling 50% (13) Distribution of subsidized composter bins 27% (7) Ban on open burning Other

Innovation Assessment Based on FCM questions and scoring system and responses more than 50% of all Reg. Districts scored LOW on innovation

Innovation assessment results

NOW WHAT?

Garbage feeds my family

He doesn't like it

Garbage is for dinosaurs

Information Sharing Share results of survey Find leader for Open Library Consider protocols for research and surveys

R&D ● Diversion credits ● Avoided cost of landfilling ● EPR Guidelines ● Exit strategy ● Do we endorse FCM method? ● Necessity and method for integrating other environmental goals ● Lots more...

Funding Cost recovery evaluation EPR Senior Gov't User Pay GST and PST dividend? Diversion credits paid to RDs based on avoided costs and diversion volumes

Acknowledgements FFGRD and RDKS MOE staff especially Brian Grant Survey participants CWMA, RCBC, and FBC Composting Council

Stay tuned! Laurie Gallant footprint environmental strategies Current projects: SWMP revision: NORD with CH2MHill New SWMP: CSRD with CH2MHill New WRP: RDKS Air Quality: BVLD AMS