Scores of residents attended the Cariboo Regional District's (CRD) July 25 presentation on the 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) and new operations at Interlakes Landfill Site on Horse Lake Road.
The CRD's waste management officers, Mitch Minchau and Tara Grady, were introduced by CRD Area L Director Bruce Rattray.
Grady gave a full, informative hour-long presentation on recycling, which left nothing to chance. She noted we pay a recycling fee when we purchase tires, oil, batteries, etc., and, if we don't return the "dead" item to place of purchase, we are wasting our money and creating unnecessary recycling.
All electronics, even toys with batteries, should go to Bee Line Courier or Gold Trail Recycling in 100 Mile House. Gold Trail also takes glass, paper and hard plastics.
Grady explained how Interlakes Landfill will work. The site will be manned as of Aug. 15, to ensure proper disposal of waste.
While it appeared that the majority of residents were happy with the CRD's draft opening hours, this could not be said for the contractors who said they need to enter the site in the early morning and late evening in order not to lose a day's work.
Grady suggested that "something could probably be worked out," and noted Interlakes' "open" hours were different from Lone Butte's, so residents could also go there.
If enough people asked for a specific change in hours, she added it would happen. She further mentioned that "mirror tags," which have been distributed to Watch Lake and Lone Butte residents, are not required for Interlakes residents.
The Share Shed will stay open, but scavenging is prohibited; and recycling bins will be brought on site in 2014.
Beyond what they already pay on property taxes, residents will pay nothing extra to use the Interlakes Landfill Site. Contractors' fees are expected to be the same as those applied in 100 Mile House.
Backyard composters ($30) will be available in the spring to those who have applied for one.
The CRD expects the new program to result in illegal dumping on Crown Land. Residents are asked to immediately report such dumping, so it can be cleaned up and patrolled.
The CRD's SWMP is intended to conserve taxpayer dollars and save the planet by producing zero waste.