The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District continued its celebration of the West Coast’s new composting capacity with a ribbon cutting held at the West Coast Landfill.
“People and businesses on the West Coast have long been advocating for more ways to divert waste and reduce their environmental footprint, which is why empowering our community to actively participate in waste reduction efforts at the West Coast Landfill means so much to us,” said Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne through a July 13 media release. “These investments provide easier access to recycling, composting, and alternative disposal options, and they reflect our commitment to the lands and waters that sustain us.”
Construction on the West Coast Landfill upgrades, which included making the facility more user-friendly while also increasing opportunities to divert waste, began in 2022 and wrapped up in the spring of 2023.
“Improving public access to local services, such as waste disposal, is a priority for us, and we know that investments in infrastructure help create dynamic and vibrant communities,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs Anne Kang. “The upgrades at the West Coast Landfill are just one example of how we’re working with all levels of government to meet the unique needs of their communities.”
A public tipping area has been expanded to better accommodate diversion streams and an onsite composting facility now processes the organics now being collected curbside.
“These changes will help us continue to reduce the amount of waste that is going to the landfill by making it easier for residents to easily access alternative disposal options,” said ACRD board vice-chair Debbie Haggard. “Investing in these infrastructure upgrades is key to continuing toward our goals of reducing the (amount of) waste created by each person in our region.”
The upgrades were paid for with funding from the federal government’s Community-Building Fund and the ACRD received $6 million in 2020 to pay for landfill improvements and the introduction of organics collection on the West Coast as well as Port Alberni.
“Ensuring communities have access to reliable infrastructure is vital for their safety and well-being,” said Minister of International Development Harjit S. Sajjan on behalf of intergovernmental affairs minister Dominic LeBlanc. “These upgrades will have tangible impacts on the quality of life of families and the vitality of the ACRD now and into the future. Our government will continue to work with provincial and municipal partners to build a healthier environment for everyone.”
More information can be found at letsconnectacrd.ca/sortngo-westcoast or www.facebook.com/ACRD.recycles.
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