The main "Guiding
Principles" of the Solid Waste Function are outlined
in RDNO's Solid Waste Management Plan, which was approved
by the Board of Directors of the RDNO and the Province in 1996 and updated
in May 2002.
The Solid Waste Function "Guiding
Principles" are to:
Maximize ecological sustainability
Reduce the waste stream to the greatest
extent in accordance with the 3Rs, considering the
nature of local financial resources
Consider the provincial goal of zero
pollution
Utilize user-pay and market-based mechanisms
to encourage waste diversion
Permit flexibility as to time and method
of Plan implementation so as to reflect RDNO's financial
resources and to permit provision of services by the
private sector, if desired.
The
Solid Waste Management Plan
has been reviewed and was amended in the spring of 2002
through a public consultation process. No major amendments
were necessary, however Plan initiatives were modified
to enhance waste reduction in the Region.
The list below provides
a quick synopsis of the current Plan objectives, or
you may download the Plan
for detailed initiatives, plans, and strategies for
each objective:
Plan Objectives:
Strive to reduce the per capita weight
of waste going to landfills by 50% [note that this
objective has been accomplished to date, but the RDNO
continues to strive for further reduction]
Encourage the Province and Federal
Governments to develop and implement reduction and
reuse programs
Continue to realize further reduction
through initiatives such as education and promotion
programs
Cooperate with the provincial government,
industry, local businesses, community groups, adjacent
regional districts, and other stakeholders in implementing
a practical and sustainable waste management strategy
Minimize undesirable waste handling
and disposal
Target Institutional, Commercial, and
Industrial (ICI) and Demolition, Landclearing, and
Construction (DLC) materials for waste diversion
Maximize the life of existing landfills
and operate them in accordance with the Provincial
Landfill Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste
Develop an acceptable cost recovery
strategy.
Who
to Contact: For enquiries to the Solid Waste &
Recycling Program please contact:
