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Saugeen Shores Council passed a motion to eliminate the three free
days a year at the landfill site.
According to Director of Public Works, Bill Jones, approximately 660,000
pounds of waste was brought in to the landfill over the three 'free
days' in 2008 which resulted in lost revenue that could have been
generated of $25,000. With the elimination of the three days, Jones
expects that the Town can then look at implementing two new recycling
programs for fluorescent bulbs and Styrofoam, both of which would be
available at the landfill site.
Jones pointed out that Brockton County has a Styrofoam recycling program
in place. "The Styrofoam must be packed in clear plastic bags and it can
then be stored in a trailer body for either pick up or delivery. There
is a company right here in Ontario that recycles Styrofoam and we are
presently working with them to iron out the details."
Councillor Thead Seaman asked how many years are left at the present
landfill site [situated in Southampton]. "There are approximately 12 to
13 years left," said Jones. He went on to say that expansion as opposed
to an entirely new site, would probably be best. "It might take four to
five years to have an Environmental Assessment (EA) done. To relocate to
a new landfill would probably take a minimum of $5 million and, an
expansion, we would hope, would take less than that."
"Well," said Seaman, "I suggest we start putting some money away when it
comes to budget time."
Jones pointed out that, as far as waste management in Saugeen Shores has
been concerned, 2008 was a very successful year. The new "Pay as You
Throw" bag tag program reduced household garbage by over 735,000 pounds,
or a 24% reduction since June. (next column)
13/01/2009 04:22 PM |
(continued)
It is anticipated that the town will, in fact, be on
track and reduce household garbage by approximately one million pounds
by year end.
The electronic (E) waste has diverted over 60,000 pounds
from the landfill. "I hope," said Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger,
"that our e-waste is going to a reputable company and not to China or
India where the components are hazardous and it could do more harm than
good." Jones assured Council that e-waste is going to a provincial
government monitored company. "That's the best we can do," he said.
Councillor Diane Huber said that, "Free dump days here are an
institution. I wish we had had the opportunity to have a complete report
about Waste Management instead of saying, 'if we do this, we can do
these two other things'. I would suggest we have more town meetings or
open houses about issues like these."
Councillor Victora Serda then added her point of view. "Well I am very
frustrated that this Council did not go ahead with an Environmental
Committee. In Brockton, all the work on Styrofoam for instance is done
with volunteers, including the Mayor. While I'm glad we are moving
ahead, by not having an Environmental Committee to look at these things,
we are costing the municipality money. The Environmental Committee could
also have looked at issues such as the Dark Sky situation and a Green
Bag project."
Jones assured Serda that he was looking into a Green Bag program and
that, "We are looking at the benefits and want it to be in the upcoming
budget for consideration."
The motion to eliminate the 'free dump' days was carried.
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