What is a Solid Waste Management Plan?

A Solid Waste Management Plan is the long-term vision for garbage and recycling and presents the programs, services, infrastructure and policies that serves to guide the design and implementation of solid waste in the Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) region. The current 2012 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan received approval from the British Columbia Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy (Ministry) in 2013.

As communities, regulations and public needs change, CSWM adapts to meet the evolving environment through the delivery of effective, cost efficient and convenient services. CSWM provides waste collection and transportation and disposal services through the Comox Valley and Strathcona Regional District areas. Each community in the CSWM service area is unique as are the solid waste services provided in order to meet their needs. To improve upon the services offered, the CSWM is undertaking a renewal of the Solid Waste Management Plan over the next few years.

Solid Waste Management Plans are mandated by the Province through the Environment Management Act for all regional districts to complete, and a 10 year renewal is suggested by the Ministry to ensure that the plan reflects best practices and the evolving realities of solid waste. With so many major projects completed and our Regional Organics Facility construction well underway, now is the time to look to the future and focus on moving the needle forward to achieving further diversion and meeting the provincial target.

What Does a Renewal Mean to Me?

The purpose of a plan renewal is to connect with residents and communities to ensure the services and programs offered align with changing needs. CSWM has accomplished many of the capital projects and reduction and diversion actions set out in the 2012 Solid Waste Management Plan, and now wants to set the course for the coming decade. The services and programs CSWM provide are tangible for residents in many ways such as investing in recycling depots, establishing collection services in rural areas, effectively managing the cost of garbage disposal and in protecting the environment. Throughout the renewal process there will be opportunity for community input, from online surveys to in-person public engagements.

Timeline

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