The Alberni Clayoquot Regional District is celebrating the West Coast’s participation in its new Sort’nGo organics collection service.
The ACRD recently announced that the service has diverted over 130 tonnes of organics from the landfill since its launch in November, 2022.
“That is equal to the weight of more than 90 beluga whales or around four humpback whales,” the announcement reads. “By rerouting this amount of organic waste to the compost program, West Coast residents have reduced the amount of curbside waste going to the landfill by 30.37 per cent – a great accomplishment in six months.”
It explains that West Coast residential homes are now diverting more than 50 per cent of their household waste.
“It’s great to see the community involvement and commitment to the program this quickly into launch. It is an incredible success everyone can be proud of,” said the ACRD board’s vice-chair Debbie Haggard. “Together, we’re increasing diversion on the West Coast and as a result extending the life of our landfill.”
The ACRD completed a waste composition survey of West Coast homes in the spring focused on single family homes and curbside collection with materials for 100 households samples over a two-week period.
The study showed that while the organics program has picked up quickly, there is still room for improvement.
“Organics and recyclables are still found in garbage carts: In fact, nearly 40 per cent of the material in garbage carts was organics, and 19 per cent was recyclable (curbside or depot),” the announcement reads. “Increasing participation will further support goals: While garbage and recycling collection have participation rates of 66 and 70 per cent respectively—the organics collection service is at a 40 per cent participation rate.”
Information about the service can be found at letsconnectacrd.ca or www.facebook.com/ACRD.recycles.
“We’re thrilled to see the way this has kicked off on the West Coast,” said Jodie Frank, solid waste project coordinator with the ACRD. “West Coast residents have really stepped up to make this program a success – we’ve already come so far, and it’s exciting to see how a little bit more effort can further our goals even more!”
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