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 7

20-50% = 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 CompostingIf there is an operating in-vessel composting system, please provide

details on ownership.

Response Percent Response Total

100% RD owned 3.8% 1100% owned by two or more RDs 0% 0100% owned by private interest 15.4% 4Private-public partnership 0% 0N/A 69.2% 18Other (please specify) 11.5% 3Total 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

laurie@footprintbc.com

250-847-1670

Current projects:

SWMP revision: NORD with CH2MHill

New SWMP: CSRD with CH2MHill

New WRP: RDKS

Air Quality: BVLD AMS