The Squamish landfill is filling up rapidly. Therefore, council is contemplating changes to persuade local residents and businesses to separate their garbage, recyclables and food waste.
Council members discussed proposed amendments to the Solid Waste Bylaw at its community planning and infrastructure meeting on Tuesday.
The proposed changes would primarily impact those living in multi-family units and businesses. Changes to the bylaw include requiring the separation of garbage, organics and recyclables; requiring an education campaign by landlords and business owners to alert or remind residents and staff about what to separate; and require transparent garbage bags. Opaque bags would be allowed for material that needs to be private.
Proposed enforcement includes inspections, education, possible fines and additional waste fees.
A requirement that developments have a sufficiently sized waste room within their buildings is also being drafted, according to District staff.
Council approved the Zero Waste Strategy on Oct. 18. The top priority of that plan was to eventually implement an organics disposal ban – that food waste not get mixed in with trash.
Other priorities included making sure everyone in Squamish can easily access recycling and organics services, institute construction and demolition waste diversion guidelines and promote minimizing waste.
