Let's Talk Trash - Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has initiated a two-phase process to amend and update its Solid Waste Management Plan. The Phase 1 public engagement period on the proposed amendment ended on December 3, 2021. An Engagement Summary Report on Phase 1 has been posted in the right sidebar.

The Project

The SCRD's Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) guides the management of solid waste in the region. The SWMP describes how the region will manage garbage, recycling, green waste, and food waste programs and services for a 10-year period, while identifying regional issues in the next 25 years.

The Sechelt Landfill is rapidly approaching capacity and is expected to close by mid-2025. Currently, the Sechelt Landfill is the only waste disposal option approved in the 2011 SWMP. This means the SCRD needs to identify a new disposal option and seek approval before the Sechelt Landfill closes, through either a SWMP amendment or update. An amendment would enable the SCRD to add a temporary disposal option to the existing 2011 SWMP and is typically a one-year approval process. An update will identify a new long-term disposal option and is expected to take two to three years to update the plan.

The SCRD has initiated the process to identify new potential long-term waste disposal options. However, it is possible the Sechelt Landfill will close before a long-term solid waste disposal option is fully operational. Given the timeline, the SCRD is initiating a two-phase process to amend and update the SWMP to ensure the region has a solid waste disposal option available following the closure of the Sechelt Landfill.

The two-phase process to amend and update the SWMP includes:

Phase I: Amend the 2011 SWMP (October 2021 - May 2022)

Revise the 2011 SWMP by adding the option to temporarily export solid waste outside the region for disposal at an existing facility. This option will only be implemented if the Sechelt Landfill closes before a new long-term solid waste disposal facility is operational. If this short-term option needs to be implemented, the disposal fee for garbage will likely increase, which could impact annual fees for residents and businesses.

In late 2021, the SCRD hosted several engagement opportunities, including an online Let's Talk Trash Q&A discussion and three in-person information booth events in Sechelt, Pender Harbour, and Gibsons. An engagement summary has been posted in the right sidebar.

Phase II: Update the SWMP (2022 - 2025)

The updated SWMP will have a 10-year plan lifecycle and shape the long-term solid waste management approach for the region. The update process requires a complete review and evaluation of the 2011 SWMP’s guiding principles, waste reduction targets, and programs/services. A new SWMP will be drafted based on technical studies that identify a new long-term waste disposal option and an engagement process.

The SCRD is currently planning the public engagement for Phase II, focused on the SWMP review and update process, which will be initiated in 2022. Visit letstalk.scrd.ca/trash to learn more!

On the right side of the page, you will find more information on the project and past engagement events.

Below, click on the different tabs to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed amendment.

Click subscribe at the top of the webpage to receive updates on the project and engagement opportunities. Thank you for participating!

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has initiated a two-phase process to amend and update its Solid Waste Management Plan. The Phase 1 public engagement period on the proposed amendment ended on December 3, 2021. An Engagement Summary Report on Phase 1 has been posted in the right sidebar.

The Project

The SCRD's Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) guides the management of solid waste in the region. The SWMP describes how the region will manage garbage, recycling, green waste, and food waste programs and services for a 10-year period, while identifying regional issues in the next 25 years.

The Sechelt Landfill is rapidly approaching capacity and is expected to close by mid-2025. Currently, the Sechelt Landfill is the only waste disposal option approved in the 2011 SWMP. This means the SCRD needs to identify a new disposal option and seek approval before the Sechelt Landfill closes, through either a SWMP amendment or update. An amendment would enable the SCRD to add a temporary disposal option to the existing 2011 SWMP and is typically a one-year approval process. An update will identify a new long-term disposal option and is expected to take two to three years to update the plan.

The SCRD has initiated the process to identify new potential long-term waste disposal options. However, it is possible the Sechelt Landfill will close before a long-term solid waste disposal option is fully operational. Given the timeline, the SCRD is initiating a two-phase process to amend and update the SWMP to ensure the region has a solid waste disposal option available following the closure of the Sechelt Landfill.

The two-phase process to amend and update the SWMP includes:

Phase I: Amend the 2011 SWMP (October 2021 - May 2022)

Revise the 2011 SWMP by adding the option to temporarily export solid waste outside the region for disposal at an existing facility. This option will only be implemented if the Sechelt Landfill closes before a new long-term solid waste disposal facility is operational. If this short-term option needs to be implemented, the disposal fee for garbage will likely increase, which could impact annual fees for residents and businesses.

In late 2021, the SCRD hosted several engagement opportunities, including an online Let's Talk Trash Q&A discussion and three in-person information booth events in Sechelt, Pender Harbour, and Gibsons. An engagement summary has been posted in the right sidebar.

Phase II: Update the SWMP (2022 - 2025)

The updated SWMP will have a 10-year plan lifecycle and shape the long-term solid waste management approach for the region. The update process requires a complete review and evaluation of the 2011 SWMP’s guiding principles, waste reduction targets, and programs/services. A new SWMP will be drafted based on technical studies that identify a new long-term waste disposal option and an engagement process.

The SCRD is currently planning the public engagement for Phase II, focused on the SWMP review and update process, which will be initiated in 2022. Visit letstalk.scrd.ca/trash to learn more!

On the right side of the page, you will find more information on the project and past engagement events.

Below, click on the different tabs to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed amendment.

Click subscribe at the top of the webpage to receive updates on the project and engagement opportunities. Thank you for participating!

SWMP Q&A

Have a question about the Solid Waste Management Plan proposed amendment and update? Share your Solid Waste Management Plan related questions below. 

You need to be signed in to add your question.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Communication using every means possible is imperative. The exporting of waste will probably result in an increase in fees for curbside collection and tipping. Before these increases are imposed the public should be informed frequently as to the status of the process.

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey. 

    Thank you for your suggestion. The SCRD has not explored developing resource materials targeting short-term rental owners before. We will take your feedback into consideration as new programs are considered during Phase 2 of this project – the review and update of the Solid Waste Management Plan. During Phase 2, staff will work with community members to develop new guiding principle, programs, and services for how to manage solid waste on the coast for the next 10 years.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    The short-term rentals is a market that needs to be guided on how to minimize waste.

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey. 

    Thank you for your suggestion. The SCRD is committed to proving updates to the community about the remaining capacity at the Sechelt Landfill and the importance of reducing waste, as well as the future costs. Updates will be shared on the project website Let’s Talk Trash (letstalk.scrd.ca/trash), on social media, and in the Coast Reporter Bulletin.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    I hope there will be surveys that talk about costs and benefits of all options and allow us to provide feedback.

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey.

    Yes, as part of Phase 2 of this project – the review and update of the Solid Waste Management Plan. During Phase 2, staff will work with community members to develop new guiding principle, programs, and services for how to manage solid waste on the coast for the next 10 years. At this time, potential options for long-term waste management will be shared with the public for review and feedback. The Phase 2 engagement is on track to launch in mid-2022.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    All initiatives to increase diversion rates should be fast tracked in order to reduce the volume of exported waste.

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey.

    Thank you for your suggestion. The remaining initiatives underway are a food waste drop-off at the Pender Harbour Transfer Station and landfill disposal regulations for food waste, food soiled paper and paper for all sectors. Any new initiatives would be implemented after the completion of the updated Solid Waste Management Plan – Phase 2 of this project. During Phase 2, staff will work with community members to develop new guiding principle, programs, and services for how to manage solid waste on the coast for the next 10 years. The Phase 2 engagement is on track to launch in mid-2022.

    As well, services the SCRD provides to divert material from the Sechelt Landfill include providing recycling options at the Pender Harbour Transfer Station and Sechelt Landfill for: cardboard, gypsum, mattresses, metal, tires, propane tanks, paint (Sechelt Landfill only), cooking oil; curbside collection of garbage and food waste from residential properties within Electoral Areas B, D, E, and F. As well, the SCRD funds recycling services for residential packaging and paper products at the three recycling facilities (recycling depots), funds residential self-haul yard & garden green waste (and a depot dedicated to this green waste on the South Coast). The SCRD also provides curbside collection of food waste for those residences within the service area of Electoral Areas B, D, E and F.

    In addition, the SCRD provides resources for residents to reduce their waste through our Holiday Recycling Guides, Recycling, and Reuse Directories.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Why only a 10-year plan. That means that in 8 years’ time the process will have to be repeated. Is this a government standard to only plan for 10 years at a time? Does every municipality, regional district, and city have to spend money to assess, plan, submit and wait for provincial government approval every 10 years?

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey. 

    Great question! Solid Waste Management Plans are developed by all regional districts (not municipalities) based on the Province of BC’s guidance document A Guide to Solid Waste Management Planning (Guide). The Guide recommends that regional districts review and update their plan about every 10 years. 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Set up a coast-wide education and public information program on the importance of reusing and repurposing everything possible in our households, properties, and businesses. Repurposing and reusing could be educated out into the public, through schools to newspapers to council meetings. It really is not an option, yet the focus on short-term (5-10 year) solutions that are in most cases not sustainable are still paramount. Shifting gears, educating, and prioritizing true sustainably in action, may be the best and most cost-effective overall.

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey. 

    Thank you for your suggestion. You have brought up some key values of responsible waste management to reduce and reuse so that we all produce less waste. These principles require the whole community to work together. The SCRD has supported this and provides resources for residents through our Holiday Recycling Guides, Recycling, and Reuse Directories. We will take your feedback into consideration as new programs are considered during Phase 2 of this project – the review and update of the Solid Waste Management Plan. During Phase 2, staff will work with community members to develop new guiding principles, programs, and services for how to manage solid waste on the coast for the next 10 years.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Could we have another Share Shed (with restrictions) and a woodpile that sold usable items?

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey. 

    Thank you for your question. Staff have documented your suggestion and will explore the idea during Phase 2 of this project – the review and update of the Solid Waste Management Plan. During Phase 2, staff will work with community members to develop new guiding principles, programs, and services for how to manage solid waste on the coast for the next 10 years.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Is the SCRD close to finalizing a new landfill site?

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey. 

    The SCRD is at the preliminary stage of siting a potential new landfill location as well as considering a transfer station for waste export. Additional technical studies and consultation need to take place before a new landfill site could be further considered.

    A Future Waste Disposal Options Analysis Study is currently underway to help direct the long-term plan for waste disposal in the region beyond the lifespan of the Sechelt Landfill. Siting and developing a new landfill is one of the options under consideration. Three preliminary locations have been identified in Electoral Area B (Halfmoon Bay) for consideration based on the requirements of the BC Landfill Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste.

    The preliminary results of the Future Waste Disposal Options Analysis Study are included in the following reports:

    1. Future Waste Disposal Options Analysis Study – Results and Next Steps (see Annex B) https://www.scrd.ca/files/File/Administration/Agendas/2021/2021-JAN-20%20Special%20ISC%20Agenda%20Package.pdf 

    2. Sunshine Coast Regional District Future Waste Disposal Options Study Detailed Options Analysis (see Item No. 2a) https://www.scrd.ca/files/File/Administration/Agendas/2021/2021-JUL-08%20ISC%20Agenda%20Package%20-%20AMENDED.pdf 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Waste to energy seems like the best idea. Why is it “not feasible”?

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey. 

    A Future Waste Disposal Options Analysis Study is currently underway to help direct the long-term plan for waste disposal in the region beyond the lifespan of the Sechelt Landfill. The four options initially considered were siting and developing a new landfill, waste export outside of the region, waste-to-energy, and expansion of the Sechelt Landfill.

    Our initial findings are that waste-to-energy is not feasible and is the most expensive option. This is due to the high cost for our small population and the complex regulatory approval process. Waste-to-energy involves a high level of pre-approval investment and high future liabilities, specifically high ongoing operational costs and decommissioning costs. Our small population also does not generate enough waste in a year to make operation of the facility cost-effective. Based on the findings, the SCRD Board has directed staff to focus on advancing a detailed analysis of siting a new landfill and waste export.

    For additional information on the preliminary results of the Future Waste Disposal Options Analysis Study, please review the following reports:

    1. Future Waste Disposal Options Analysis Study – Results and Next Steps (see Annex B) https://www.scrd.ca/files/File/Administration/Agendas/2021/2021-JAN-20%20Special%20ISC%20Agenda%20Package.pdf

    2. Sunshine Coast Regional District Future Waste Disposal Options Study Detailed Options Analysis (see Item No. 2a) https://www.scrd.ca/files/File/Administration/Agendas/2021/2021-JUL-08%20ISC%20Agenda%20Package%20-%20AMENDED.pdf

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Can the SCRD start exporting waste now in order to extend the life of the Sechelt Landfill?

    over 2 years ago

    This question was submitted in an anonymous survey. 

    Thank you for your question. The SCRD cannot begin exporting waste until the option has been added to the region’s Solid Waste Management Plan and approved by the Province of BC. Phase 1 of this project is seeking approval to add this option to the Solid Waste Management Plan. If the option is approved, the SCRD will then be allowed to export waste out of the region. The SCRD does not plan to start exporting waste before it is necessary because exporting waste is more expensive than disposal at a local landfill.  

    The SCRD has several programs in place that help divert waste from the landfill, such as wood, metal, recyclables, and food waste. If the community is able to greatly reduce its waste, stretching the life of the landfill is possible.

Page last updated: 28 Apr 2023, 01:25 PM