Ministry of Environment to Update Solid Waste Management Guideline

After two decades of stagnation, the Ministry of Environment will be updating its guideline for the preparation of regional solid waste management plans. Updates are expected to remove red tape for local governments and make the planning and approval process more efficient.

The existing guideline, which outlines the process for regional districts to develop and consult on solid waste management, has not been updated since 1994.

According to the provincial government, the guidelines will provide local governments with more autonomy and modernize the management process.

After reviewing the existing guideline, MLA Marvin Hunt proposed six recommendations that are designed to guide the future of solid waste management in B.C.:

1. Promote the three R's (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle).
2. Maximize beneficial use of waste materials and manage residuals
appropriately.
3. Separate organics and recyclables out of garbage wherever
practical.
4. Establish and enforce disposal bans.
5. Level playing field within regions for both private and public
companies.
6. Manage tipping fees.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Environment will consult with both stakeholders and local government. A finalized guideline is expected to be implemented in 2016.

"By modernizing our planning guideline, we are aiming to reduce environmental impacts associated with waste disposal throughout the province, streamline the process, and support our service plan goals. By incorporating Marvin Hunt's recommendations, we will be able to provide clarity for the development of necessary bylaws,” said Minister of Environment, Mary Polak.

Revisions to the waste management guideline follows a recent meeting held between the Ministry of Environment and several Nicola Valley First Nations Chiefs. The Chiefs protested Premier Christy Clark's MLA office in West Kelowna for six days and five nights in order to demand attention be brought to the disposal of biosolid waste in the Nicola Valley.