Residents are ready, willing and well-versed in the basics of trash, compost and recycling, but still need a little help with things like soft plastics and foam.
Most residents report no barriers to disposing of general refuse, recycling and organic waste, according to the Capital Regional District (CRD) solid waste market research and engagement study.
The same study shows 64 per cent of residents reported “significant barriers” for items such as foam packaging and soft plastics – including simply not knowing where and how to take them, as well as challenges getting to disposal sites.
It also says 74 per cent of residents reported positive attitudes across five waste management behaviours including reduction waste, supporting circular economy, composting, confidence in their waste disposal knowledge and supporting community initiatives.
The study explored both resident and business behaviours toward waste reduction and management practices. It’s one of three that the CRD solid waste advisory committee sought to gather data and metrics on to monitor the region’s solid waste management plan. Waste generator and solid waste stream composition studies are scheduled over the next several years.
The data from this first study will inform education and outreach initiatives focused on achieving the CRD solid waste management target of reducing the region’s waste by more than a third by 2031, according to a CRD news release.
One goal is to extend the life of Hartland Landfill in Saanich to 2100 by cutting down on waste and increasing recycling.
Survey results, along with historical data – including program participation, Hartland Landfill scale data, the info line and the 2022 solid waste stream study – were analyzed to develop the key performance initiatives and findings.
The study provides “actionable feedback” to help guide initiatives for the next three years, the board chair said in a news release.
“There is an opportunity to expand our educational and training resources to better assist the community in properly disposing of waste,” said Cliff McNeil-Smith, who is also Sidney mayor.
In the business realm, all tend to produce paper, plastic and organic waste, with 100 per cent of those with paper on-site also offering recycling bins. However, only 74 per cent producing soft plastic waste have a collection method in place. About half report challenges complying with local waste management regulations, citing limited options and high costs.
At Hartland, where visits for recycling rose an average of 20 per cent, metal, plastic and foam are the most commonly recycled. Visits to dispose of general refuse also increased, by about five per cent annually, slightly higher than population growth.
“The results from the Solid Waste Market Research and Engagement Study highlight the need to further expand waste reduction knowledge and proper waste management practices in our region,” said Barb Desjardins, chair of the environmental services committee. “It will be interesting to see the progress made when the study is next undertaken in three years.”
Visit crd.bc.ca/service/waste-recycling/solid-waste-management for more information.
