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| For immediate release June 8, 2010 |
|
Regional Solid Waste Survey Results
Overall, residents in the region are very satisfied with their garbage collection, according to a recent survey undertaken by the Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) service.
The survey, launched in an awareness campaign entitled “It’s Not Gone”, was conducted as the first step in updating the region’s solid waste management plan – a plan that will guide decisions about future waste and recycling programs for the next 20 years.
“We wanted to start this planning process with an understanding of what the public thinks about their current services and what types of programs they would like to see in future,” said Ian Smith, CVRD’s general manager of community services. “While we would have liked to have had a stronger response to the survey, we extend our thanks to those who did respond. When combined with the input from the solid waste management plan advisory committee, the results provide an indication of the direction we need to be heading. The next steps are to look more closely at options for new recycling or waste management programs, and the get feedback on those options.”
Just over 350 people completed the survey either online or by returning a paper copy that was available at all regional district and municipal offices, libraries, transfer stations and landfills. While not statistically representative, the combined responses offer some information that can be considered in developing the new plan. The survey, which ran until from February 8 to March 5, 2010, provided an opportunity for residents to give their feedback on the existing waste management system, areas that they felt needed improvement and what new programs or services they would like to see in the future.
Key highlights of the survey show:
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high satisfaction with curbside garbage collection
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moderate satisfaction with curbside recycling services
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support for banning recyclable materials from being buried in the landfill
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support for food waste collection programs
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strong support for having local return locations available for disposing of materials like paint, pesticides and electronics, but there is a lack information about what is accepted and where;
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the criteria for developing new programs should consider waste reduction and greenhouse gas reduction before cost, convenience and job creation.
In addition, a number of comments were received that provided information about what new programs or services people would like to see. Common suggestions included:
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food waste pick-up
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more information and education
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more items accepted for recycling
“There will be more opportunities to provide comments through the public consultation process,” said Smith. “This fall we expect to hold public open houses throughout the region to provide everyone with an opportunity to learn more about solid waste management in the region and to provide input on options for future programs, infrastructure and services.”
The full survey results as well as related information on the regional solid waste management plan visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/itsnotgone. This is also where you can find reports, minutes, presentations and other information related to the development of the solid waste management plan.
The Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) service is a function of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and is responsible for two regional waste management centres that serve the Comox Valley and Campbell River, as well as a range of transfer stations and smaller waste-handling and recycling facilities for the electoral areas of the CVRD and the Strathcona Regional District. The CSWM service manages over 100,000 tonnes of waste and recycled material and oversees a number of diversion and education programs.
Media contact:
Ian Smith
General Manager, Community Services
Comox Valley Regional District
250-334-6003