May 6 - News Release - New Drop-Off Area Coming to the Sechelt Landfill

Sechelt, BC – May 6, 2021 – If you have recently visited the drop-off area at the Sechelt Landfill you will have noticed some changes.

The drop-off area is smaller than what it was prior to early 2020. You may also have had to exit through the gate you came in. As you drive through, you may have noticed that large sections are taped off. So what has happened? Since February 2020, there have been ground disturbance issues at the landfill which have resulted in holes opening up in the ground. You can see some of these in the pictures below.

The cause of this ground disturbance is the old practice of burying drywall. Over 20 years ago, drywall was buried – portions of this drywall are now breaking down causing everything above, concrete included – to sink. This has resulted in the drop off-area being reduced considerably to ensure that everyone who is using the landfill can do so safely. Construction Starting on May 17, a contractor will begin work on a new drop-off area for the landfill. From week two to week three of this project, this work essentially involves pounding and compacting the ground. Once the area has been compacted, work will commence on the new drop-off area and is expected to be completed by early August.

The initial few weeks of this work will be loud and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has been granted a noise bylaw exemption. For a full breakdown of hours and days of work, visit our Sechelt Landfill Project page.

Customer Impact
The SCRD is working to ensure there is minimal impact to customers for the duration of this work. However, there are things that you need to know before you go to the landfill in the coming months.

Accepted materials
Starting May 15, tires will no longer be accepted at the Sechelt Landfill until the project is complete. This is to assist with space requirements needed to complete the project. Tires are accepted (off rim - no charge; on rim – fee applies) at tire retailers and auto mechanic shops throughout the Sunshine Coast. Visit www.tsbc.ca to confirm locations.

Wait times
Wait times are currently 30 minutes or more during peak days and times (Tuesdays and weekends). These wait times will continue for the duration of the project, perhaps longer should public health restrictions remain in place and site traffic limits continue to be reduced. Please limit your trips to the Sechelt Landfill to only those absolutely necessary.

Bin locations
The bins for garbage, metal and drywall, as well as the locations for paint, fridges/freezers and propane tanks will change. The SCRD staff at the site will help direct you.

Temporary Sechelt Landfill site closure
There is the potential for delayed openings, early closures or shorter one-day closures as the work continues. The SCRD and the contractor are doing everything to avoid this, however should a closure be necessary the SCRD will provide as much notice as possible. Part of this project will include the relocation of the scale. The landfill site will be closed for three days in order to move the scale. The SCRD will communicate with the public in advance when these dates are confirmed. Regular updates will be provided to the public on any changes in the operating hours of the landfill, through the SCRD website, Let’s Talk SCRD engagement platform, and local media.

Your curbside garbage collection will not be affected by any closures.

“We understand that this project will cause some inconvenience for customers at the Sechelt Landfill however this is work that has to be done to keep the landfill operating safely,” says Remko Rosenboom, General Manager, Infrastructure Services. “On behalf of our staff, I want to thank our community for their continued patience and support as we work on the construction of this much needed new drop-off area.”

If you have a question about the work being done at the landfill please contact the Solid Waste Services Division through infrastructure@scrd.ca or 604-885-6806. You can also follow this project for updates on the SCRD’s public engagement website, Let’s Talk SCRD.