phase 1 report existing solid waste management system

Phase 1 Report Existing Solid Waste Management System

Prepared for

Regional District of Fraser-Fort George

By

MWA Environmental Consultants Ltd.

in association with XCG Consultants Ltd.

May 19, 2015

May 19, 2015

Rachael Ryder, Waste Diversion Program Leader Regional District of Fraser-Fort George 155 George Street Prince George, BC V2L 1P8

Dear Ms. Ryder,

Re: Draft Stage 1 Report

We are pleased to submit our Phase 1 report that describes the existing solid waste management system in Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and provides a review of the implementation status of the 2008 Solid Waste Management Plan.

The information contained in this report was reviewed by Regional District staff and members of the Technical Advisory Committee and represents the starting point for updating the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan.

Yours truly,

Maura Walker, President MWA Environmental Consultants Ltd. DBA Maura Walker and Associates

Phase 1 Report: Existing Solid Waste Management System

Page i

Executive Summary

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) has begun a review and update of the 2008 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (RSWMP) which will be conducted in three phases. The first phase, the subject of this report, is an assessment of the current system and the implementation status of the 2008 Plan.

The RDFFG has partially implemented the key actions from the 2008 RSWMP, including:

• Implement curbside recycling in Prince George for single-family homes (complete);

• Increase the range of recycling services at landfills and manned transfer stations (complete);

• Introduce bans on recyclable and compostable waste from disposal in the landfill (incomplete);

• Increase the capacity of the Foothills yard waste composting facility to allow for more yard waste collection (underway);

• Conduct a Transfer Station Operations and Amalgamation Study (complete);

• Amalgamate some transfer stations and have remaining transfer stations become full-service sites (incomplete);

• Close the 3 remaining small landfills (2 of 3 have been closed); and

• Develop site closure plans for all of the closed landfills (underway).

The implementation of the RSWMP has resulted in the RDFFG increasing the diversion of solid waste away from landfilling to recycling and composting from 21% to 26%.

The existing solid waste management system in the RDFFG is diverse and is a combination of local government and private sector services. The key components of the existing system are:

Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill, located in Prince George, that receives 96% of the region’s

garbage;

Legrand Landfill, a landfill that receives only construction and demolition waste from the

McBride and Valemount areas;

The Mackenzie Regional Landfill which receives garbage from the Mackenzie area only;

17 transfer stations that receive waste from rural communities throughout the RDFFG;

Two transfer stations in Prince George that provide convenient disposal and recycling options

for residents;

Curbside recycling for single-family homes in Prince George provided by Multi-Material BC;

Depot based recycling for homes in all other areas;

Municipal garbage collection provided by all municipalities (Prince George provides collection to

homes only, and the other municipalities provide collection to homes, businesses and

institutions);

Private garbage and recycling collection companies in Prince George;

A yard waste composting facility operated at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill site;

A private recycling processor located in Prince George;

A broad range of take-back locations for EPR products (primarily located in Prince George); and

Communications and education in support of waste management services provided by the

RDFFG, the City of Prince George and REAPS (a non-profit organization based in Prince George).


Page ii

In 2014, the RDFFG disposed of an estimated 80,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste. Roughly 28,800 tonnes of material were recycled, composted or managed through extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs.

The general trend since the 1990s has been a decrease in the per capita amount of waste disposed and an increase in amount diverted to recycling and composting, as shown in the table below. However, the overall amount of waste generated on a per person basis has remained fairly constant.

Disposal and Diversion (1997-2014)1

1997 kg per capita

2002 kg per capita

2007 kg per capita

2014 kg per capita

Disposal 1,037 778 806 840

Diversion 93 144 194 302

Generation 1,130 923 1,000 1,142

Diversion Rate 8% 16% 19% 26%

In 2013 the RDFFG conducted a waste characterization study 2at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill (FBRL) to provide an indication of what types of waste continue to be landfilled and by whom. The pie chart on the next page shows the proportion of the various waste materials being landfilled, based on weight. The data from this study indicates roughly half of what is landfilled is actually garbage. The other half is comprised of materials that are recyclable, compostable3, or could be managed through an Extended Producer Responsibility program.

1 RDFFG data

2 Study undertake by TRI Environmental.

3 Includes food waste for which there is no existing composting facility in RDFFG. Roughly 25% of landfilled waste, by weight, is potentially compostable food waste, paper and wood.


Page iii

A review of scale house records indicates the sources of the waste received at the landfill, which are summarized in the graph below. This graph shows that the vast majority (59%) of landfilled solid waste was delivered by commercial haulers who collect from local businesses and institutions, and that single-family homes in Prince George are the next largest contributor to FBRL (21% of garbage delivered to the landfill).

Compostable Organics

31%

Non Compostable Organics

10%

Paper 17%

Plastic 13%

Metals 6%

Glass 2%

Building Materials

8%

Bulky Objects

3%

Electronic Waste 3%

Household Hazardous (HHW)

2%

Household Hygiene

4%

Fines 1%

-

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

Commercialhaulers

Curbsideresidential

Self-haul RDFFGtransferstations

tonnes

59%

12%

8%

21%


Page iv

The RDFFG’s 2015 solid waste management budget is just under $15 million. Approximately $8 million of this budget covers operating costs, $5 million is for capital projects and $1 million is allocated to reserve funds. Reserve funds are established to finance for future capital projects as well as post-closure monitoring and maintenance. Revenues associated with this budget come from tipping fees, taxation, recycling revenues and other sources, including reserve funds.


Page v

Glossary

Disposal Landfilling

Diversion Activities that divert waste materials away from disposal as garbage to alternatives such as recycling or composting. Does not include combustion of garbage to produce energy.

DLC Demolition, landclearing and construction

EPR Extended producer responsibility

Generation The sum of all materials discarded that require management as solid waste, including garbage, recycling and composting. Does not include organic waste composted at home.

HHW Household hazardous waste

ICI Industrial, commercial and institutional (does not include heavy industry)

MMBC Multi-Material BC (residential recycling product stewardship organization)

MOE BC Ministry of Environment

MRF Material recycling facility (recycling processor)

ODS Ozone depleting substance (e.g. CFCs)

Organic waste / organics

kitchen scraps, food waste, yard and garden waste

Plan Regional Solid Waste Management Plan

RDFFG Regional District of Fraser-Fort George

REAPS Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (local non-profit organization involved in environmental awareness and education)

RSWMP Regional Solid Waste Management Plan


Page vi

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................ i

Glossary ......................................................................................................................................................... v

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Implementation Status of the 2008 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan ............................ 1

2 Plan Area ............................................................................................................................................. 6 2.1 Population..................................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Housing and Economic Data ......................................................................................................... 8

3 Waste Stream Characterization .......................................................................................................... 9 3.1 Waste Generation Data ................................................................................................................ 9

3.1.1 2014 Disposal and Diversion ........................................................................................... 9 3.1.2 Trends ............................................................................................................................ 11

3.2 Composition of Waste Disposed ................................................................................................ 11 3.2.1 Comparison of Waste Characterization Data ................................................................ 13

3.3 Source of Delivered Waste ......................................................................................................... 14

4 Existing Solid Waste Management System ...................................................................................... 15 4.1 Reduction and Reuse Programs .................................................................................................. 16 4.2 Recycling ..................................................................................................................................... 16

4.2.1 Residential Recycling ..................................................................................................... 16 4.2.2 Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Recycling................................................ 17 4.2.3 Recycling Activities at the Landfills and Transfer Stations ............................................ 18 4.2.4 Recycling Processing ...................................................................................................... 18 4.2.5 Centralized Composting ................................................................................................ 19

4.3 Communications and Education ................................................................................................. 19 4.4 Extended Producer Responsibility Programs ............................................................................. 20 4.5 Residual Waste Management ..................................................................................................... 23

4.5.1 Collection Services ......................................................................................................... 23 4.5.1.1 Prince George ................................................................................................ 23 4.5.1.2 District of Mackenzie ..................................................................................... 23 4.5.1.3 Village of McBride ......................................................................................... 23 4.5.1.4 Village of Valemount ..................................................................................... 24

4.5.2 Transfer Stations ............................................................................................................ 24 4.5.3 Landfills .......................................................................................................................... 26

4.5.3.1 Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill ............................................................ 26 4.5.3.2 Mackenzie Regional Landfill .......................................................................... 28 4.5.3.3 Legrand Select Waste Landfill ....................................................................... 29 4.5.3.4 Closed Landfills .............................................................................................. 30

4.5.4 Management of Controlled Wastes .............................................................................. 30 4.6 Demolition, Landclearing and Construction Waste .................................................................... 31 4.7 Illegal Dumping Prevention ........................................................................................................ 32 4.8 Regional and Municipal Bylaws .................................................................................................. 32

4.8.1 Regional District of Fraser-Fort George ......................................................................... 32 4.8.2 City of Prince George ..................................................................................................... 34 4.8.3 District of Mackenzie ..................................................................................................... 34


Page vii

4.8.4 Village of McBride .......................................................................................................... 35 4.8.5 Village of Valemount ..................................................................................................... 35

4.9 Provincial Policies and Legislation .............................................................................................. 35 4.9.1 Environmental Management Act .................................................................................. 35 4.9.2 Recycling Regulation ...................................................................................................... 35 4.9.3 Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation ...................................................................... 35 4.9.4 Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR) .............................................................. 36 4.9.5 Landfill Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste .................................................................... 36 4.9.6 Guidelines for Environmental Monitoring at Municipal Solid Waste Landfills ............. 36 4.9.7 Landfill Gas Management Regulation............................................................................ 36

5 Financing of the Regional District’s Solid Waste Services ................................................................ 36 5.1 Solid Waste Management – Budget 3305 .................................................................................. 36 5.2 Rural Transfer Station Service – Budget 3306 ............................................................................ 37 5.3 Waste Reduction Services – Budget 3307 .................................................................................. 37 5.4 Regional Solid Waste Management Financial Plan .................................................................... 38

6 The Planning Process ........................................................................................................................ 38

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: Map of Regional District of Fraser-Fort George ......................................................................... 6

Figure 3-1: Estimated Composition of Waste Disposed of at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill ......... 12

Figure 3-2: Composition of Waste Disposed, by Waste Management Alternative .................................... 13

Figure 3-3: Waste Generators (Sources of Landfilled Waste in 2014) ........................................................ 14

Figure 4-1: RDFFG Waste Flow (2015) ........................................................................................................ 15

Figure 4-2: RDFFG Multi-Material Recycling Bin ......................................................................................... 17

Figure 4-3: RDFFG Transfer Stations ........................................................................................................... 25

Figure 4-4: Map of Landfills in RDFFG (2015) ............................................................................................. 26

Figure 4-5: Working Face at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill............................................................. 27

List of Tables

Table 1-1: 2008 Plan Program Status ............................................................................................................ 2

Table 2-1: Population, By Area...................................................................................................................... 7

Table 2-2: Housing Types .............................................................................................................................. 8

Table 3-1: Disposal and Diversion Activities in 2014 .................................................................................. 10

Table 3-2: Disposal and Diversion (1997-2014) .......................................................................................... 11

Table 3-3: Comparison of 2007 and 2013 Waste Composition Data .......................................................... 13


Page viii

Table 4-1: Recycling at Landfills and Transfer Stations ............................................................................... 18

Table 4-2: Regulated EPR programs in BC................................................................................................... 21

Table 4-3: Number of EPR program Depots within the RDFFG .................................................................. 22

Table 4-5: Controlled Waste Tipping Fees .................................................................................................. 30

Table 5-1: RDFFG Solid Waste Budget (2015) ............................................................................................. 37


Page 1

1 Introduction

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) is undertaking a review of the 2008 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (RSWMP). The process to review the plan will be conducted in three phases. The first phase is an assessment of the current system and a report on the implementation status of the 2008 Plan. The second phase is the review of options to address the region's future solid waste management needs and the selection of preferred options. The final phase will be a community consultation process to obtain input into the selected options.

This document is the Phase One report and outlines the implementation status of the 2008 Plan and describes the current waste management system in the RDFFG. This information will be used as the starting point for Phase 2 of the planning process.

1.1 Implementation Status of the 2008 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan

The 2008 RSWMP replaced the 1997 RSWMP. The key objectives of the 2008 RSWMP were to:

• Implement curbside recycling in Prince George (complete);

• Increase the range of recycling services at landfills and manned transfer stations (complete);

• Introduce bans on recyclable and compostable waste from disposal in the landfill (incomplete);

• Increase the capacity of the Foothills yard waste composting facility to allow for more yard waste collection (complete);

• Conduct a Transfer Station Operations and Amalgamation Study (complete);

• Close the 3 remaining small landfills (2 of 3 have been closed); and

• Develop site closure plans for all of the closed landfills (underway).

Table 1-1 lists the individual actions in the 2008 RSWMP and their implementation status as of May 2015. In general, most of the actions listed in the Plan were implemented or are in the process of being implemented. However, there are a number of programs and policies that were not implemented due to a lack of resources.

The 2008 Plan set a target of 50% waste diversion, assuming all components of the Plan were implemented. Because several of the actions are not yet complete, the current (2014) estimated diversion rate is 26%. Details associated with current disposal and diversion estimates are provided in Section 3.1.1.


Page 2

Table 1-1: 2008 Plan Program Status

Waste Management

Activity

Plan

Section Action Status

Reduction and Reuse

Programs

6.1.1 Swap sheds to be established at all manned RDFFG landfills and

transfer stations

Swap sheds are available at Valemount, Mackenzie, McBride,

Dunster and Bear Lake

Swap sheds were removed from Foothills and Quinn St due to

operational challenges and the presence of alternate reuse

opportunities available locally

6.1.2 Promote reduction and reuse RDFFG produces a thrift store brochure

Brochure listing available reuse opportunities maintained by

REAPS

REAPS promotes grasscycling

Junk in Your Trunk Community Garage Sale

6.1.3 Backyard composting program

o Distribute up to 1000 composters every other year, as long

as there is demand

o Educational activities, including compost demonstration

garden and advisory service

o Promote backyard composting

All activities on-going

Demonstration garden and advisory service provide through

REAPS

Approximately 1,000 backyard composters sold by the RDFFG

since 2008 (an average of 167 per year)

Residential Recycling 6.2 Curbside recycling in Prince George

Depot-based recycling at manned transfer stations for residential

recyclables, scrap metal and ODS-containing appliances

Curbside recycling implemented by MMBC in September 2014

Depot-based recycling on-going

6.3.1 Reduce weekly residential garbage can limit to 2 cans in all

municipalities except Prince George

Incomplete

6.3.2 Maintain variable cart rates in Prince George Maintained

6.3.3 Enforce ban on recyclables in garbage in Prince George Not enforced by City staff

Business Recycling 6.4.1 Ban on recyclable materials at manned landfills and transfer

stations

Incomplete due to lack of staff resources and services; however

increased tipping fees have driven more recycling

6.4.2 Promote recycling to businesses Incomplete due to lack of staff resources and services

Yard Waste Collection 6.5 Seasonal yard waste drop off at manned transfer stations and

landfills

In place at Foothills and Mackenzie Regional Landfills and

Valemount and Shelley transfer stations

6.5 Spring and fall curbside collection by District of Mackenzie Incomplete

6.5 City of Prince George to assess the potential of yard waste

collection

City has banned backyard burning of yard waste and is currently

considering seasonal drop bins for yard waste


Page 3

Waste Management

Activity

Plan


o City to ban backyard burning of yard waste in conjunction

with the startup of collection

Yard Waste

Composting

6.6 Increase capacity of Foothills yard waste composting operation Completed an operations review by a composting consultant

Marketing campaign underway to increase sales of finished

compost (may increase site capacity)

Additional work on-hold pending outcome of relocation of

landfill entrance

6.6 Assess need and cost of an enhanced composting operation at

Mackenzie Regional Landfill

Assessment not done. Currently yard waste is ground and land

applied

6.6 Assess composting of yard waste at closed Valemount landfill site Static pile composting of yard waste in place

Food Waste

Composting

6.7 Update the 2002 organic waste composting feasibility study Incomplete

Promotion and

Education

6.8 RDFFG will be responsible for promotion and education related to

RDFFG solid waste facilities, waste reduction and reuse,

composting, HHW and EPR

On-going

Extended Producer

Responsibility (EPR)

6.9 Advocate for improved and expanded EPR programs

Participate on BC Product Stewardship Council

Advocate for effective and accessible collection services in RDFFG

Promote and educate the public about existing EPR programs

Ongoing

Policy 6.10 Implement disposal ban policy on recyclable and compostable

materials

Incomplete

6.10 Implement user pay policy for all RDFFG disposal facilities. Prepare

implementation plan

Incomplete

Tipping fees in place at Foothills, Mackenzie, Valemount,

McBride and Legrand

Minimum user fee enacted at Foothills in 2013

6.10 Walk the Talk: RDFFG office to become a model of waste reduction

in the workplace

Ongoing

Demolition,

Landclearing and

Construction (DLC)

Waste

6.11 Assess DLC waste diversion opportunities

Work with permits and planning departments to assess the

feasibility of policy tools to drive DLC waste diversion and

reduction

Ban recyclable components of DLC waste from disposal at landfill

Use variable tipping fees to promote source separation

Incomplete due to lack of staff resources and recycling services


Page 4

Waste Management

Activity

Plan


Garbage Collection

Services

6.12.1 Maintain current system Maintained

Transfer Stations 6.12.2 Undertake a transfer station operations and amalgamation study Completed in 2010

6.12.2 Amalgamate transfer stations to increase efficiencies and increase

number of solid waste services at each site

Incomplete

Bear-Human Conflict

Management

6.13 Work with local groups to establish and find on-going awareness

campaign

Multi-stakeholder committee established

RDFFG and Municipalities to ensure that local bylaws require

waste to be containerized and that there are residential set-out

times that minimize opportunities to wildlife access to waste

Complete

Backyard composting education will include bear awareness Included in REAPS educational services

Foothills Boulevard

Regional Landfill

6.14.1.1 Update design and operations plan

Develop post-closure conceptual plan

Update landfill gas management plan

Complete

Mackenzie, Sinclair

Mills and Dome Creek

Landfills

6.14.1.2 Close landfills Sinclair Mills and Dome Creek landfills closed

Closure of Mackenzie Regional Landfill is currently under

assessment

Establish a full-service transfer station for Mackenzie Incomplete

DLC Waste Landfills 6.14.2 Assess short-term and long-term DLC waste disposal needs Mackenzie Regional Landfill currently being assessed as future

DLC landfill

DLC waste from McBride and Valemount transferred to Legrand

for disposal

6.14.2.1 Prepare design and operation plan for Legrand landfill Incomplete

Closed Landfills 6.14.3 Prepare and undertake final closure activities Closure requirements for the closed landfill sites needs to be

clarified by the MOE prior to undertaking further closure

activities

Illegal Dumping

Prevention

6.14.4 Work with MOE to identify offenders, conduct clean-ups and

enforce bylaws

Incomplete

Waive tipping fees for community clean-up events On-going

Establish a fund to support clean-up activities by community

groups

On-going

Household Hazardous 6.14.5 Develop education campaign regarding proper disposal of HHW Provide information on where HHW can be dropped off


Page 5

Waste Management

Activity

Plan


Waste (HHW) Promote depot locations/events for HHW A HHW education campaign has not been developed

Work with stewardship agencies to conduct HHW round-up events

or to establish depots in smaller communities

More drop-off opportunities have been established by

stewardship agencies

RDFFG has not worked with stewardship agencies directly

Encourage the development of expanded HHW stewardship

programs

Done via participation BC Product Stewardship Association

First Nations Linkages 6.15 Liaise with First Nation communities to identify opportunities to

work together for waste management servicing

Develop service agreements

Liaisons regarding waste management are done on an as-

needed basis

No service agreements established

Neighbouring Regional

Districts

Liaise with neighbouring regional districts with an aim to have

consistent policies, share information and conduct collaborative

studies

Share information with other regional districts at provincial

conferences

Opportunities for collaborations have been enacted and are on-

going


Page 6

2 Plan Area

The Solid Waste Management Plan applies to the entire RDFFG, which covers nearly 51,000 km2. The electoral boundaries are shown on Figure 2-1 and include the City of Prince George, the District of Mackenzie, the Village of McBride, the Village of Valemount, and Electoral Areas 'A' Salmon River and Lakes, 'C' Chilako River-Nechako, 'D' Tabor Lake-Stone Creek, 'E' Woodpecker-Hixon, 'F' Willow River-Upper Fraser, 'G' Crooked River-Parsnip, and 'H' Robson Valley-Canoe. In addition there are two First Nation Reserves4.

Population density in RDFFG is 1.8 persons per square kilometer.5

Figure 2-1: Map of Regional District of Fraser-Fort George

4 Source: BC Stats

5 Source: Statistics Canada


Page 7

The RDFFG is located in central-eastern BC. It is bounded by Alberta to the east, the Columbia-Shuswap and Thompson-Nicola Regional Districts to the south, the Cariboo Regional District to the southwest, the Bulkley-Nechako Regional District to the west, and the Peace River Regional District to the north / northeast.

2.1 Population

As shown in Table 2-1, based on the 2011 Census, the population of RDFFG in 2011 was 91,879, including Municipalities, Electoral Areas and First Nation Reserves. The population count remained relatively unchanged since the 2006 census. BC Stats projected the 2014 population to be 95,2166.

Table 2-1: Population, By Area7

Area 2011 Population % of RDFFG

total

District of Mackenzie 3,507 4%

Village of McBride 586 1%

City of Prince George 71,974 78%

Village of Valemount 1,020 1%

Fraser-Fort George A 3,362 4%

Fraser-Fort George C 3,434 4%

Fraser-Fort George D 4,175 5%

Fraser-Fort George E 479 1%

Fraser-Fort George F 1,207 1%

Fraser-Fort George G 317 0%

Fraser-Fort George H 3,507 2%

First Nation Reserves 153 less than 1%

Regional District of Fraser-Fort George

91,879 100%

6 Source: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/Demography/PopulationProjections.aspx

7Source: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/Census/2011Census/PopulationHousing/MunicipalitiesByRegionDDistrict.aspx

http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/Demography/PopulationProjections.aspx

http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/Census/2011Census/PopulationHousing/MunicipalitiesByRegionDDistrict.aspx

http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/Census/2011Census/PopulationHousing/MunicipalitiesByRegionDDistrict.aspx


Page 8

2.2 Housing and Economic Data

In 2011, there were 37,330 households in the RDFFG. Table 2-2 provides a breakdown of the types of housing.8

Table 2-2: Housing Types

Housing Type Occupied Units (2011)

Single-detached house 24,810

Apartment; building that has five or more storeys 390

Movable dwelling 2,975

Other dwelling 9,150

Semi-detached house 1,280

Row house 1,715

Apartment; duplex 1,820

Apartment; building that has fewer than five storeys 4,295

Other single-attached house 40

Total number of occupied private dwellings 37,330

According to BC Statistics 2006 census data, the main industries (by labour force) for the region were logging and forest products, manufacturing, retail trade, health care and social assistance, and wood product manufacturing.9 2011 Census data related to labour force were not available at the time that this report was prepared.

8 Source: Statistics Canada (http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CD&Code1=5953&Geo2=PR&Code2=59&Data=Count&SearchText=fraser-fort%20george&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1 )

9 Source: 2006 Community Facts for Fraser-Fort George, BC Stats

http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CD&Code1=5953&Geo2=PR&Code2=59&Data=Count&SearchText=fraser-fort%20george&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1




Page 9

3 Waste Stream Characterization

This section provides a general description of the solid waste generated in the RDFFG, including the composition of the waste disposed and how much is landfilled vs. recycled. This information, along with the system description in Section 4, provides an overview of the current solid waste management system.

3.1 Waste Generation Data

3.1.1 2014 Disposal and Diversion

Table 3-1 outlines the main activities that contribute to the RDFFG's disposal and diversion rates. A description of the disposal facilities and the recycling activities in the RDFFG is provided in Section 4.

In 2014, the RDFFG disposed of 80,005 tonnes of municipal solid waste (based on scale house records and an estimate of tonnes received at Mackenzie and Legrand landfills). It is estimated that almost 28,800 tonnes of material were recycled and composted in the region, resulting in a diversion rate of 26%. This is an increase in the diversion rate by 5% since 2007 (up from 21%).


Page 10

Table 3-1: Disposal and Diversion Activities in 2014

Waste Management Activity Tonnes

Disposal Activities

Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill (municipal solid waste only) 72,680

Mackenzie Regional Landfill (weighed loads plus an estimate of self-haul loads not weighed)

6,325

Legrand Select Waste Landfill (estimate) 1,000

Total Disposal 80,005

Diversion Activities

Recycling at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill

Tires 23

Appliances 160

Scrap metal 1,048

Compostable waste 6,304

Lead acid batteries see EPR

Used motor oil and filters see EPR

Antifreeze see EPR

Recycling at Mackenzie Regional Landfill

Scrap metal (estimated) 169

Lead acid batteries see EPR

Used motor oil and filters see EPR

Antifreeze see EPR

Recycling at Valemount Transfer Station

Scrap metal (estimated) 266

RDFFG Multi-material recycling depots 1,974

Private sector recycling (estimate for fibre, metal and pallets) 11,054

REAPS organic recycling (from ICI sector) (estimate) 3

Backyard composter distribution (250 kg x 6,500 composters) 1,625

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs 6,055

Total Diversion 28,765

Total Generation (disposal + diversion) 108,770

Diversion Rate (diversion / generation) 26%


Page 11

3.1.2 Trends

Table 3-2 provides the per capita amount of disposal, diversion and generation (disposal + diversion) for select years between 1997 and 2014. In general, the per capita amount of waste disposed has been decreasing and the amount diverted to recycling and composting has been increasing. However, the overall amount of waste generated on a per person basis has remained fairly constant.

Table 3-2: Disposal and Diversion (1997-2014)10

1997 kg per capita

2002 kg per capita

2007 kg per capita

2014 kg per capita

Disposal 1,037 778 806 840

Diversion 93 144 194 302

Generation 1,130 923 1,000 1,142

Diversion Rate 8% 16% 19% 26%

3.2 Composition of Waste Disposed

Figure 3-1 shows the estimated composition of the waste disposed of at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill (FBRL), based on the weight of each type of waste material.11 As shown, the largest components of the landfilled waste stream, by weight, are compostable organics (food scraps and yard waste), paper and plastic.

10 RDFFG data

11 2013. Technology Resource Inc.


Page 12

Figure 3-1: Estimated Composition of Waste Disposed of at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill12

Another way of looking at the data is to consider what components of the waste stream could be diverted through recycling and composting programs instead of landfilled. Figure 3-2 shows that roughly half of what is landfilled is actually garbage. The other half is comprised of materials that are recyclable, compostable, or could be managed through an Extended Producer Responsibility program (see Section 4.4 for a detailed description of EPR programs). The compostable portion of what is landfilled has been broken down into 2 categories: compostable yard and garden waste which could have been composted at home or at Foothills, and other compostable materials (food, wood and tissue) for which a composting facility does not currently exist in RDFFG.

12 TRI Environmental. 2013.

Compostable Organics

31%

Non Compostable Organics

10%

Paper 17%

Plastic 13%

Metals 6%

Glass 2%

Building Materials 8%

Bulky Objects 3%

Electronic Waste 3%

Household Hazardous (HHW)

2%

Household Hygiene 4%

Fines 1%


Page 13

Figure 3-2: Composition of Waste Disposed, by Waste Management Alternative

3.2.1 Comparison of Waste Characterization Data

RDFFG commissioned a similar study in 2007, which allows comparison of the data to see how the nature of the waste stream has changed between 2007 and 2013. Table 3-3 presents the comparative data. The most significant shift in the proportion of landfilled waste between 2007 and 2013 was a decrease in the proportion of paper waste (including cardboard) and a corresponding increase in the proportion of compostable waste. This shift is likely due to an increase in the prevalence of commercial cardboard collection in the Prince George area since 2007. Increasing landfill tipping fees combined with corporate environmental policies have likely increased the demand for cardboard recycling services by many businesses in the area.

Table 3-3: Comparison of 2007 and 2013 Waste Composition Data13

Material Category 2007 2013

Compostable Organics 25% 31%

Paper and Cardboard 27% 17%

Plastic 14% 13%

Non Compostable Organics 6% 9%

Metals 5% 6%

Building Material 4% 8%

Household Hazardous (HHW) 3% 2%

Glass 5% 2%

Other 10% 11%

13 TRI Environmental, 2007 and TRI Environmental, 2013.

Compostable (yard and garden)

Compostable (food, wood,

tissue)

Recyclable

EPR

Garbage


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3.3 Source of Delivered Waste

The Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill tracks the source of loads of waste delivered to the facility for landfilling. The categories include:

• Commercial haulers – which includes garbage collected from businesses, institutions (e.g., schools, churches, government buildings), and multi-family buildings.

• RDFFG transfer stations – which includes garbage from businesses and residents hauled to a transfer stations

• Curbside residential – which reflects the garbage collected by the City of Prince George from residents receiving automated cart-based collection

• Self-haul – which includes garbage brought into the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill by private vehicle (residential or commercial); generally small volumes of waste that are removed from the vehicle by hand and deposited at the on-site transfer area at the landfill.

Figure 3-1 shows how much each of these categories of waste sources contributed to the garbage landfilled at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill (FBRL) in 2014. Since FBRL handles 96% of the waste buried in the region, the waste source data shown in Figure 3-3 is regarded as representative of the Regional District as a whole.

Figure 3-3: Waste Generators (Sources of Landfilled Waste in 2014)

-

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

Commercialhaulers

Curbsideresidential

Self-haul RDFFGtransferstations

tonnes

59%

12%

8%

21%


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4 Existing Solid Waste Management System

Figure 4-1 shows the general flow of waste from its source (homes and businesses), through the various collection channels, through to the final destination of the various waste streams. These activities are supported by communication and education initiatives, as well as government policies and bylaws.

Figure 4-1: RDFFG Waste Flow (2015)

Sections 4.1 through 4.10 of the report describe the major services, infrastructure, programs and policies in place in the RDFFG that currently contribute to the management of solid waste. This information is presented in accordance with the waste management hierarchy, shown to the right.

•17 RDFFG transfer stations

•Foothills yard waste composting facility

•Private recycling facilities

•Extended Producer Responsibility depots

•Foothills, Mackenzie and Legrand landfills

•Compost market/users

•Recycling market

•Hazardous waste destruction facilities (outside of RDFFG)

•Municipal collection services

•Commercial collection companies

•Self-haul

•Single-family homes

•Multi-family buildings

•Industrial, commercial and institutional sector

•Demolition & construction projects

Sources Collection

Consolidation, Processing &Transfer Facilities

Disposal & End Markets


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4.1 Reduction and Reuse Programs

Initiatives that reduce the amount of waste produced, or that encourage items to be reused rather than discarded serve to decrease the amount of waste that needs to be collected and managed through recycling and disposal services. The primary waste reduction driver in place is the implementation of tipping fees at the landfills for commercial waste generators, and the variable rates charged for residential waste collection by the City of Prince George (with smaller containers costing less per year).

Backyard composting is another means of waste reduction that is used by many communities to reduce the quantity of organic waste disposed. The RDFFG has promoted backyard composting by offering subsidized compost bins and by providing financial support for a compost demonstration garden. By the end of 2014, approximately 6,500 composters have been distributed through this initiative. It is estimated that an average backyard composter diverts roughly 250 kg of waste. Over a ten-year

life, one backyard composter can reduce the need for the collection and management of 2.5 tonnes of waste. REAPS provides support to residents that are involved or want to be involved in backyard composting. They operate a compost demonstration garden in Prince George and will provide in-home composting training upon request.

Waste reuse is supported by the establishment of swap sheds at the Mackenzie Regional Landfill and several transfer stations. Residents may leave unwanted but usable items in the shed for other residents to take. In addition to the swap sheds, REAPS and the Regional District host a biannual “Junk in the Trunk” sale, which is like a community garage sale and encourages residents to think about reusing goods rather than throwing them out, or buying new goods.

There are also several commercial and non-profit organizations that receive and sell used goods, as well as on-line options such as Freecycle.org.

REAPS provides an up-to-date “Waste Reduction Directory” listing where used goods can be donated and where other discarded items can be recycled.

4.2 Recycling

In the RDFFG, there is a wide range of recycling opportunities available for residents and businesses, with the majority of those services located in Prince George.

4.2.1 Residential Recycling

RDFFG provides drop off services for residential recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastic and metal containers) at 13 transfer stations and at the Foothills and Mackenzie Regional Landfills. Figure 4-2 shows a photo of a recycling bin at a RDFFG transfer station.


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Figure 4-2: RDFFG Multi-Material Recycling Bin

In September 2014, curbside recycling was introduced to homes in the City of Prince George that receive municipal curbside garbage collection. This service is being provided by the stewardship organization, Multi-Material BC (MMBC) as part of the provincial EPR program for residential recyclables.

MMBC also provides financial incentives to 2 bottle depots in Prince George (Hart Return-It and Prince George Recycling & Return-It) to provide depot collection of the same residential recyclables as are collected curbside, plus plastic bags, glass containers and polystyrene foam.

There are 2 private collection companies that provide recycling collection to homes and multi-family buildings in Prince George and the surrounding area on a subscription basis. Those companies are Blue Jewel and R3.

4.2.2 Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Recycling

Recycling collection services to industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) properties are contracted privately. In Prince George, most garbage collection companies also offer cardboard collection service. Blue Jewel and RS offer multi-material recycling collection services to businesses.

Some businesses manage their own recyclable materials and backhaul recyclable materials to their central distribution centres located outside the Regional District. Generally this is only done by large retail and manufacturing companies.

The RDFFG encourages recycling by the ICI sector through the application of tipping fees at most of their disposal sites.


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4.2.3 Recycling Activities at the Landfills and Transfer Stations

In addition to the bins for residential recyclables (multi-material recycling) located at the landfills and most transfer stations, most of these facilities provide the opportunity to recycle other materials as well. Table 4-1 lists what is currently available at each facility.

Table 4-1: Recycling at Landfills and Transfer Stations

Facility Multi-

Material Recycling

Scrap Metal

Recycling

Refrigeration Appliances

Used Oil and

Antifreeze

Lead Acid

Batteries

Yard & Garden Waste

Swap Shed

Tire Recycling

Foothills Blvd. Regional Landfill

X X X X X X X

Mackenzie Regional Landfill

X X X X X X X

Valemount TS X X X X X X X X

Dunster TS X X

McBride TS X X X X X X X

Hixon TS X X X

Buckhorn TS X

Cummings Road TS X X X

Shelley TS X X X X X

Willow River TS X

Summit Lake TS

Bear Lake TS X X X

McLeod Lake TS

Chief Lake TS X

Miworth TS

Berman Lake TS

West Lake TS X

Quinn St. TS X X X X X

Vanway TS X X X X X

TS = transfer station

4.2.4 Recycling Processing

There is one material processing facility (MRF) located in Prince George that receives most of the residential and ICI recyclable materials collected in the region. This facility, owned by Cascades Recovery Inc., prepares recyclable material for the recycling market and for downstream recycling processors.


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4.2.5 Centralized Composting

There is a yard and garden waste composting operation at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill. This facility accepts residential and ICI yard and garden waste, as well as manure. The facility uses aerated

windrows to process the material.

In 2014, the composting facility received 5,150 tonnes of yard and garden waste, 995 tonnes of manure and 189 tonnes of grass. The finished product, shown in the photo to the left, is classified as Class A compost. The final product is sold to the public and used primarily by the City of Prince George for public works.

In 2015, RDFFG branded the compost product as “NorGrow” to increase its public

appeal. A campaign was launched to promote the brand and includes posters on display throughout the Prince George area, signage on City garbage trucks and compost give-away events.

4.3 Communications and Education

All reduction, reuse and recycling activities require that the intended participants are aware of the opportunities available to them. Communications and education are critical support mechanisms to successful waste diversion. Communications and education initiatives in the regional district are primarily conducted by the RDFFG, the City of Prince George and REAPS (Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society).

The Regional District has a broad array of waste management information available on their website, including information sheets on each solid waste facility, composting information, a recycling guide and map, as well as links to other solid waste management information, including the REAPS website.

The Regional District provides tours of waste management facilities, has a waste management telephone service, makes hard copies of brochures available to the public, does advertising on the radio and in the local newspapers on a regular basis, and has contracted REAPS to provide a school program related to solid waste management.

The City of Prince George also provides a wide variety of information related to waste management on their website, including information on the City’s garbage collection service as well as recycling and reuse opportunities in Prince George. Most recently, they have made the “My Waste” app available to City residents to assist residents in effectively participating in the City’s waste collection services.

REAPS (Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society) acts as a local clearinghouse for waste reduction and recycling information. They provide information on the telephone, on their website, through workshops and a newsletter. REAPS also undertakes curriculum-linked classroom activities in addition to setting up schools with composting and recycling programs. REAPS receives financial support


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from the RDFFG, local businesses and their members. The City of Prince George provides REAPS with a place for their office and demonstration garden.

4.4 Extended Producer Responsibility Programs

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a provincial policy tool that aims to shift the responsibility for end-of-life management of products (physically and economically) to the producer and away from local governments. This policy is intended to create an incentive for producers to include environmental considerations in design of products.

EPR programs in BC are mandated by Recycling Regulation 449/2004, under the Environmental Management Act. The regulation requires producers of the designated products to develop a program for their end-of-life collection and recovery of materials and to consult stakeholders (including local governments) when developing their plans.

RDFFG is a member of the BC Product Stewardship Council, a body that advocates on behalf of local government for effective product stewardship programs. RDFFG staff has also engaged in consultation and discussions with stewardship programs in their plan development process.

The range of products managed through EPR programs has expanded significantly in the last decade. Table 4-2 provides a list of the products currently covered by an EPR program and the estimated quantities collected by each program in RDFFG in 2013 (the most recent year for which data is available). This data has been extracted from annual reports developed by the various stewardship organizations.


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Table 4-2: Regulated EPR programs in BC

Product Category Program(s) Estimated tonnes

Collected in RDFFG in 201314

Antifreeze, Used Lubricating Oil, Filters and Containers

BC Used Oil Management Association 1,223

Beverage Containers Encorp (non-alcoholic and wine, spirits, coolers and import beer in non-refillable containers)

1,911

Brewers Distributed Limited (fillable and canned beer) 669

Electronics and Electrical

Call2Recycle/Recycle My Cell (batteries and cell phones) 36

Electronics Products Recycling Association (EPRA) (electronics: Computers, televisions, audio-visual, medical equipment, office equipment)

396

LightRecycle (lamps and lighting equipment) 35,359 units (tonnes

unavailable)

Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) (large appliances)

no data

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) (Outdoor Power Equipment)

no data

Canadian Electric Stewardship Association (CESA) (small appliances, power tools, sports and exercise equipment, hobby, craft)

60

AlarmRecycle (smoke and carbon monoxide alarms) less than 0.1 tonne

Switch the ‘Stat (thermostats) less than 0.1 tonne

Canadian Brandowner Residual Stewardship Corporation (toys –electric and electronic)

no data

Lead Acid Batteries Canadian Battery Association & Interstate Battery System

433

Packaging and Printed Paper (residential only)

Multi-Material BC no data

Paint and Solvents and Flammable Liquids, Gasoline and Pesticides

Product Care 35

Pharmaceuticals Health Product Stewardship Association 1

Tires Tire Stewardship BC 1,960

14 Estimates developed from 2013 annual reports submitted by each of the stewardship organizations to the Ministry of Environment. These reports on posted on the Ministry’s website at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=BEBA70369C274C8FBA4FB42BE828A9EB


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Table 4-3 shows the number of EPR depots for each EPR program within the RDFFG. As shown, Prince George is well-serviced by EPR take-back services, but the rest of the region is much more limited in terms of places where regulated products can be dropped off.

Table 4-3: Number of EPR program Depots within the RDFFG15

Program Prince George

Mackenzie Valemount McBride

BCUOMA – used oil, oil containers, oil filters 5 2 2 2

BCUOMA – antifreeze 2 1 2 1

Encorp – beverage Containers 3 1 1 1

Cdn Battery Association – lead acid batteries 5 1 0 0

Call2Recycle/CWTA – rechargeable batteries and cell phones

15 1 1 0

EPRA – electronics: Computers, televisions, audio-visual, medical equipment, office equipment

6 0 1 0

LightRecycle – lamps and lighting equipment 5 0 1 0

OPEI – outdoor power equipment 6 0 0 0

CESA – small appliances and electrical equipment

3 0 0 0

AlarmRecycle – smoke and carbon monoxide alarms)

2 0 1 0

Switch the ‘Stat – thermostats 7 0 0 0

Product Care – paint 3 1 1 0

Product Care – solvents and flammable liquids, gasoline and pesticides

1 0 0 0

Health Product Stewardship Association – pharmaceuticals

6 2 0 0

BC Tire Stewardship – tires 23 1 1 1

15 Information regarding the number and location of take-back sites for each stewardship organization was obtained from each organization’s websites in May 2015.


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4.5 Residual Waste Management

Residual waste refers to discarded materials that are not diverted to reuse, recycling or composting and therefore require landfilling. In 2014, there was an estimated 80,005 tonnes of residual waste landfilled in the RDFFG16. The residual waste management system includes garbage collection services provided by the municipalities and private companies, as well as the residual waste management infrastructure provided by the RDFFG, which includes 3 active landfills and 17 transfer stations.

4.5.1 Collection Services

4.5.1.1 Prince George

The City of Prince George collects garbage from approximately 23,000 homes within the City limits, using an automated garbage collection system. The automated system has been in place since April 2005. When the system was rolled out, each household was supplied with a cart (available in a choice of three sizes). The fee charged for garbage collection varies with the size of cart used. Garbage collection is provided weekly. The City’s waste collection bylaw prohibits recyclable materials from disposal in the residential garbage, but this bylaw has not been enforced to date.

The City also undertakes a spring clean-up collection program for yard waste and bulky materials. Roll-off bins are placed around the City for a limited time for use by residents.

Throughout the year, residents with excess waste may bring it to the Vanway transfer station located in the City, or directly to the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill. Open burning of waste within a prescribed area of the City is prohibited under Bylaw 7721.

The City also provides curbside collection to a limited number of ICI generators, including churches and seniors' homes. The majority of ICI waste generators in the City subscribe to commercial garbage collection services provided by private hauling companies. ICI generators also have the option to bring their waste to the landfill themselves.

4.5.1.2 District of Mackenzie

The District of Mackenzie provides both residential and ICI collection service. The collection vehicle brings the material directly to the Mackenzie Regional Landfill. Private collection companies also provide ICI garbage collection in Mackenzie.

4.5.1.3 Village of McBride

The Village of McBride provides both residential and ICI collection service. The collection vehicles bring the garbage to the McBride Transfer Station. The garbage is subsequently hauled to the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill.

16 This does not include waste that originated outside of RDFFG or controlled waste.


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4.5.1.4 Village of Valemount

The Village of Valemount provides garbage collection services to both residential and ICI customers through a contractor. The Village’s collection service includes the provision of centralized metal bins for use by ICI customers, as well as cart-based collection for both residents and businesses. Residents can select the cart size which is most appropriate to their needs. The collection vehicle brings the garbage to the Valemount Transfer Station. The garbage is subsequently hauled to the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill.

4.5.2 Transfer Stations

There are 17 transfer stations in the Regional District of Fraser Fort George (RDFFG), as shown in Figure 4-3. Since the development of the 2008 RSWMP, the Red Rock transfer station has been closed. All of the transfer stations offer household waste disposal, and most sites provide recycling opportunities. Refer to Section 4.2.3 for a list of the recycling services available at each transfer station.


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Figure 4-3: RDFFG Transfer Stations


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4.5.3 Landfills

There are 3 landfills in the RDFFG, as shown on Figure 4-4. The Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill and Mackenzie Regional Landfill are open to the public and accept municipal solid waste, industrial, commercial and institutional waste, controlled waste, yard and garden waste, and recyclables. The Legrand Select Waste Landfill receives only construction and demolition waste and landclearing debris by appointment.

Figure 4-4: Map of Landfills in the RDFFG (2015)

4.5.3.1 Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill

The Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill was operated by the City of Prince George from 1976 until 1994, at which point the Regional District assumed responsibility for the facility. The landfill is located on 87.3 hectares, of which approximately 25 hectares is in use for solid waste disposal, composting and recycling services. The facility handles 96% of the municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in RDFFG.


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In 2010, the Regional District updated their Integrated Landfill Management Plan. At the time, it was estimated that approximately 2 million cubic metres of airspace was available in Cell 1 which would accommodate landfilling activities in the current Cell 1 footprint until 2027. The proposed Cell 2, to be constructed to the north of the existing Cell 1, was estimated to have an additional 4.5 million cubic metres of airspace available for landfilling activities. As of May 2014, the estimated total remaining airspace in Cell 1 was 1,456,000 cubic metres with an anticipated closure date of 2027.

Figure 4-5: Working Face at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill

Features of this site and its operations include:

• Open seven days per week including most statutory holidays.

• Existing facilities located on site include scale house, office trailers, on-site transfer station area, yard waste composting facility, and landfill gas extraction facility.

• Weigh scales were installed in 1994 and put to use in January 1995 to coincide with the introduction of variable rate tipping fees. The current scalehouse facility is approaching the end of its design life span and it is anticipated that it will be replaced in 2016 with the relocation of the landfill entrance northwest of its current location. The relocation of the scalehouse and landfill entrance are intended to facilitate on-going use of site and maximize space available for landfilling

• The on-site transfer station area is comprised of six 40 cubic yard bins for small vehicle drop off of garbage and yard trimmings. Waste materials collected at the on-site transfer area are hauled over the scale prior to being disposed of at the active face of the landfill.

• Multi-material recycling bins, as well as recycling areas for used oil, anti-freeze, batteries, propane cylinders, tires, scrap metal, and appliances.


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• Large commercial waste collection vehicles unload their waste directly at the active face of the landfill.

• Fourteen groundwater monitoring wells are located on-site and eight groundwater monitoring wells are located off-site.

• An area of approximately 5.25 hectares (approximately 23% of the total Cell 1 area) has undergone final closure.

• Leachate is managed on site via natural attenuation, with the exception of the closed area which incorporates a leachate recirculation system.

• Landfill gas collection system installed in 2002 with on-going expansion of the landfill gas well field. The collected gas is currently flared via an enclosed flare device.

• Uses alternative daily cover, with weekly soil cover applied.

• Site is completely fenced.

Tipping fees are charged for the disposal of waste at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill and are based on weight and type of material. There is a minimum charge of $6 for small loads up to 100 kilograms. Loads greater than 100 kilograms are charged based on the tipping fee of $72 per tonne (2015 rate). There is no charge for the disposal of yard and garden waste or recyclables provided they are separated from any other chargeable waste. Tipping fees for controlled waste are presented in Section 4.

In 2014, the Foothills site received:

• 72,680 tonnes of MSW (garbage);

• 454 tonnes of MSW that originated from outside the region;

• 747 tonnes of controlled waste; and

• 7,566 tonnes of waste materials that was recycled or composted.

The Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill is currently approved to operate under Operational Certificate No. MR-01697 issued by the BC MOE on October 31, 2005.

4.5.3.2 Mackenzie Regional Landfill

The Mackenzie Regional Landfill opened in 1974 and currently accepts residential, commercial, and light industrial waste from the Town of Mackenzie and surrounding areas. The site is located approximately 3 kilometres south of the town of Mackenzie, British Columbia on leased Crown land previously used as a gravel pit. The site comprises an area of approximately 8.2 hectares. It is a natural attenuation landfill.

In addition to receiving and landfilling garbage, the site also has:

• A swap shed;

• Storage areas for used oil, oil filters and containers, antifreeze, lead acid batteries, and rechargeable household batteries;

• A propane tank/bottle storage area;

• A scrap metal storage area; and

• An area where yard waste is chipped periodically.


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The site is also permitted to receive waste asbestos.

The limit of waste of the landfill is secured with an electric fence. Access to the site is controlled by a gate located at the main entrance. The gate is locked outside of normal operating hours to prevent unauthorized access and uncontrolled disposal. The scalehouse facility includes a 12-metre long weigh scale and an adjacent scalehouse. Commercial waste haulers are provided with swipe cards which allow them to weigh in and out without an attendant. Small vehicles are not required to report to the scalehouse.

It is estimated that the site receives approximately 6,325 tonnes of waste per year.17

Tipping fees are charged for the disposal of commercial waste at the Mackenzie Regional Landfill and are based on weight and type of material. There is no charge for small self-haul loads. The tipping fee to dispose of garbage is $72 per tonne (2015 rate). Tipping fees for controlled waste are presented in Section 4.5.4.

The lifespan of this site has not been calculated. Based on the 2008 RDFFG RSWMP, this landfill is to be closed and replaced by a transfer station, with consideration for maintaining the site as a select waste landfill. The long-term development of the site as is currently under review.

The Mackenzie Regional Landfill is currently approved to operate under Operation Certificate No. 100206 issued by the BC MOE on March 4, 2009.

4.5.3.3 Legrand Select Waste Landfill

The Legrand Select Waste Landfill was originally a disposal facility for municipal solid waste. When the McBride Transfer Station was opened in 2006, the operation of the Legrand Landfill changed to receipt of select inert waste only. Select inert waste includes:

• Demolition, Landclearing Debris & Construction Waste;

• Drywall; and

• Bulky waste

Waste generators must make an application to the Regional District to drop off loads.

In 2014, an estimated 114 loads were brought to the site from RDFFG transfer sites; an additional 2,000 m3 of demolition debris was delivered directly to the site.

This site operates under a permit from the Ministry of Environment (PR 6424) issued in 1987.

17 XCG Consultants Ltd. 2013 Annual Operations Report: Mackenzie Regional Landfill.


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4.5.3.4 Closed Landfills

There are 12 known closed sites that were used as landfills in the past. The locations of these sites are:

• Aleza Lake

• Bear Lake

• Berman Lake

• Chief Lake

• Dome Creek

• Hixon

• Mud River

• McLeod Lake

• Shelley

• Sinclair Mills

• Stoner

• Summit Lake

• Valemount

• West Lake

• Willow River

The only one of these sites to receive final closure/capping is West Lake Regional Landfill. RDFFG has filed a request for clarification from the MOE regarding the closure of the remaining sites. Closure is pending receipt of clarification.

4.5.4 Management of Controlled Wastes

Disposal of controlled wastes (materials which require special handling and disposal practices to avoid creating health hazards, nuisances or environmental pollution) requires pre-approval by the Regional District and appropriate permits. Controlled wastes are accepted at Foothills and Mackenzie Regional Landfills, and a sub-set of controlled wastes is accepted at the Legrand Select Waste Landfill. Tipping fees for controlled wastes, presented in Table 4-4, are higher than for MSW due to their need for additional handling.

Table 4-4: Controlled Waste Tipping Fees

Controlled Waste Rate per Tonne

of weight Minimum

Charge

Condemned Foods $132.00 $6.00

Waste Asbestos $264.00 $6.00

Food Processing Waste $72.00 $6.00

Bulky Waste $86.00 $6.00

Screening from municipal sewage treatment plants and pumping stations

$0 $0

Waste sludge from municipal sewage treatment plants and screening stations

$0 $0

Pumpings from parking lot drainage sumps $72.00 $6.00

Pumpings from commercial laundry lint traps $72.00 $6.00

Pumpings from sumps which collect run-off from vehicle washing facilities

$72.00 $6.00

Pumpings from municipal sewage treatment plants and sand filters and pump stations

$0 $0

Contaminated Soil $86.00 $6.00


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Vehicle Hulks $132.00 $6.00

Dead Animals $132.00 $6.00

Gypsum Board or Wallboard $72.00 $6.00

Sterilized Biomedical Waste received from certified sterilization facilities

$72.00 $6.00

Sterilized Sharps received from certified sterilization facilities $132.00 $6.00

Wood ash from industrial operations $72.00 $6.00

Alum pond or lime sludge in de-watered form $72.00 $6.00

Appliances containing ozone depleting substances $19.00 per unit

Medium Truck Tires (inside diameter > 16.5 inches and < 25.5 inches) off rims

$10.00 per unit

Off Road Tires $132.00 $6.00

The following materials are not accepted at RDFFG landfills or transfer stations:

• Cattle Carcasses

• Explosives

• Fencing Wire

• Fuels

• Hazardous Waste

• Ignitable Waste

• Industrial Chemical Waste

• Liquids

• Lubricants

• Paints / Solvents

• Radioactive Waste

• Reactive Waste

• Refuse that is on fire or smoldering

• Slurry / Sewage Sludge (except as permitted as controlled waste)

• Special Waste (except as permitted as controlled waste, e.g., asbestos)

• Steel / Plastic Drums (if not cut, crushed, or perforated)

• Tires on Rims.

4.6 Demolition, Landclearing and Construction Waste

Construction and demolition debris is accepted at all landfills in the RDFFG, including Foothills, Legrand and Mackenzie. Construction and demolition waste received at municipal solid waste landfills consists primarily of wood and to a lesser extent, roofing materials, drywall, plastic, cardboard and other construction / renovation related materials. Metal is usually removed for recycling by the contractor. At Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill, DLC waste is disposed of in an area separate from the MSW.


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Concrete and pavement is recycled by a number of companies in Prince George, and are commonly used as fill material; consequently these materials do not typically end up in municipal solid waste landfills.

There is some reuse of used building materials through salvaging contractors and through donation of reusable materials to the Heart and Hands Salvage Store in Prince George.

Landclearing waste refers to tree waste, including trunks and stumps that are generated as a result of clearing land for development. There are no known facilities that specifically receive and manage land clearing waste in the RDFFG. Within municipal boundaries, land clearing waste is typically chipped and left on-site. In the electoral areas, chipping may occur; however burning of the debris is also common. Burning activities are regulated under the BC Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.

4.7 Illegal Dumping Prevention

Illegal dumping of waste is a common affliction of rural and urban areas in the RDFFG and throughout British Columbia. A multi-stakeholder committee has been formed to develop an illegal dumping strategy and identify opportunities to work collaboratively.

To support community clean-up events, the Regional District waives tipping fees associated with the disposal of the collected waste.

4.8 Regional and Municipal Bylaws

This section outlines the current regional and municipal bylaws related to solid waste management.

4.8.1 Regional District of Fraser-Fort George

RDFFG is in the process of reviewing, updating and consolidating their bylaws related to solid waste management. The following is a brief overview of the existing bylaws which are expected to be consolidated in the near future.

Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Disposal Site Regulation Bylaw (No. 78, 145)

This bylaw outlines the operations of waste disposal sites in the RDFFG, including access to the site, locations for dumping, and activities that require a permit (burning waste, scavenging, and disposal of offensive waste). Bylaw 145 adds a prohibition against the discharge of firearms onto a disposal site.

Greater Prince George Waste Disposal Local Service Establishment Bylaw (No. 1302)

This bylaw establishes waste disposal as a local service to Electoral Areas A, C, D, E, F and G, with the cost of providing waste disposal service to be apportioned among participating areas through property taxes and through fees and charges for service. This bylaw sets the maximum annual requisition at $340,000.


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Solid Waste Management Local Service Establishment Bylaw (No. 1453)

This bylaw is similar to the previous one, but it establishes a solid waste management local service area within the City of Prince George, District of Mackenzie, Village of McBride, Village of Valemount, and Electoral Areas A, C, D, E, F, G, and H. The cost of providing waste disposal service will be apportioned among participating areas through property taxes and through fees and charges for service. This bylaw sets the maximum annual requisition at $5,000,000.

Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill Tipping Fee Regulation Bylaw (No. 1797, Amendment No.2105)

This bylaw outlines the charges and material restrictions at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill. It also specifies controlled waste costs, hazardous/special waste considerations, inspection and weighing of materials and penalties for violations. The various amendments are consolidated in a new bylaw, No. 2105.

Solid Waste Management Transfer Station Local Service Establishment Bylaw (No. 1677)

This bylaw establishes a solid waste management rural transfer station local service within Electoral Areas A, C, D, E, F, G and H, with the cost of providing waste disposal service to be apportioned among participating areas through property taxes. The RDFFG retains the right to impose fees and charges for service. This bylaw sets the maximum annual requisition at $350,000.

Mackenzie Regional Landfill Tipping Fee Regulation Bylaw (No. 1746)

This bylaw outlines the charges and material restrictions at the Mackenzie Regional Landfill. It also specifies controlled waste costs, hazardous/special waste considerations, inspection and weighing of materials and penalties for violations.

Valemount Regional Transfer Station Tipping Fee Rate for the Village of Valemount Bylaw (No. 2101)

This bylaw establishes that a tipping fee is payable to the RDFFG for the delivery of waste to the Valemount Transfer Station for waste originating from the Village of Valemount collection system.

Valemount Reg. Transfer Station Tipping Fee and Site Regulation Bylaw (No. 1577 and 2104)

This bylaw outlines the charges and conditions for the deposition of waste material at the Valemount Transfer Station. It specifies a schedule of fees, charges for the disposal of controlled waste, site regulations and penalties for violations.

McBride Regional Transfer Station Tipping Fee Bylaw (No. 2145)

This bylaw establishes that a tipping fee is payable to the RDFFG for the delivery of waste to the McBride Transfer Station for waste originating from the Village of McBride collection system.


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McBride Regional Transfer Station Tipping Fees and Site Regulations Bylaw (No. 2146)

This bylaw outlines the charges and conditions for the deposition of waste material at the McBride Transfer Station. It specifies a schedule of fees, charges for the disposal of controlled waste, site regulations and penalties for violations.

4.8.2 City of Prince George

Garbage Collection Regulation Bylaw (No. 8336)

This bylaw establishes the service of collecting, removing, and disposing of garbage, using both automated and manual collection systems. The bylaw requires all residences within a specified service area to participate in the garbage collection service and that all private waste collectors comply with the requirements laid out in the bylaw. It outlines collection cart/garbage container specifications, location and timing of placement, acceptable types of material, and weight of collection containers. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of property owners and the City to minimize risks, maximize safety and efficiency in waste collection. The definition of garbage provided in the bylaw specifically excludes recyclable material.

To minimize attracting bears, the bylaw states that “if a commercial container contains food waste, discarded fruit or vegetables or offal, be securely covered between April 1 and October 31 of every year in such a manner that bears cannot access its contents. Additionally, residents are to place their carts out for collection no earlier than 4 a.m. on the day of collection. The bylaw also includes a provision for the operation of transfer stations in the City.

Clean Air Bylaw (No. 8266)

This bylaw prohibits the open burning of garbage, demolition and construction waste, landclearing debris, and yard and garden waste, including burning these wastes in a recreational fire.

Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw (No. 7557)

This bylaw covers all of the rates charged by the City for its various services and is regularly amended to update the rates. Amendment bylaw #8482 includes the rates charged for the City’s garbage collection services. These fees were last amended on December 20, 2012.

4.8.3 District of Mackenzie

Garbage Bylaw (Nos. 1083 and 1139)

This bylaw outlines collection times, fees and material restrictions for garbage collection. It outlines roles and responsibilities of property owners in managing their waste and maintaining their bin. It applies to single and multi-family dwellings, as well as commercial generators.


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4.8.4 Village of McBride

Solid Waste Collection Bylaw (No. 736)

This bylaw, passed in 2013, established the solid waste collection service and describes the requirements associated with the service. The service is provided to residents of single-family homes and duplexes, and some businesses and institutions that have waste that is typical of a home. The bylaw limits each home to 2 containers of garbage per week. The bylaw prohibits cardboard and yard waste from disposal in garbage set out for collection.

Burning Bylaw (No. 680)

This bylaw requires all open burning to be done with a permit which can be obtain from the Village office. No noxious materials can be burned at any time. Land clearing waste, wood waste and yard and garden waste can be burned with a permit.

4.8.5 Village of Valemount

Garbage Bylaw (No. 697)

This bylaw, passed in 2013, outlines collection requirements and the fee structure for the 3 cart sizes available for residential and commercial customers. Cardboard is banned from collection.

4.9 Provincial Policies and Legislation

Solid waste management is regulated by the Province of BC.

4.9.1 Environmental Management Act

The Environmental Management Act governs the management of waste in British Columbia. The act provides the authority for introducing wastes into the environment in a manner that protects human health and the environment. The act enables the use of permits, regulations and codes of practice to authorize discharges to the environment and enforcement options to encourage compliance.

4.9.2 Recycling Regulation

This regulation requires producers of the designated products to develop a program for their end-of-life collection and recovery of materials and to consult stakeholders when developing their plans. The current list of designated products currently includes most beverage containers, most household hazardous waste, and household goods powered by electricity and batteries.

4.9.3 Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation

This regulation applies to fires for purposes such as land clearing, silviculture, forestry, wildlife habitat enhancement, and domestic range improvement. The intent of the regulation is to reduce smoke emissions and impacts without requiring an Air Emission Permit from the BC. The regulation outlines when and how open burning can occur. This regulation is currently under review.

http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/03053_00


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4.9.4 Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR)

The Organic Matter Recycling Regulation of B.C. (OMRR) governs the production, quality and land application of certain types of organic matter. It provides guidance for compost producers on composting requirements to ensure the protection of soil quality and drinking water sources. This regulation is currently under review.

4.9.5 Landfill Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste

BC’s Landfill Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste applies to all new landfills and both lateral and vertical expansions of existing landfills, designed and constructed for the disposal of MSW. These criteria are currently under review.

4.9.6 Guidelines for Environmental Monitoring at Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

These guidelines are intended to assist landfill owners and operators to design and implement an environmental monitoring program for groundwater and surface water as required by the Landfill Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste.

4.9.7 Landfill Gas Management Regulation

The Landfill Gas Management Regulation applies to all regulated landfill sites that:

• Have 100,000 tonnes or more of municipal solid waste in place, or

• Receive 10,000 or more tonnes of municipal solid waste for disposal into the landfill site in any calendar year after 2008.

This regulation requires owners of applicable landfills to conducts an initial landfill gas (LFG) generation assessment. Based on the outcome of that assessment, a landfill gas management design plan may be required for the landfill site. Once the design plan is accepted by the Province, the owner of the landfill is required to install the appropriate landfill gas management facilities.

5 Financing of the Regional District’s Solid Waste Services

The RDFFG solid waste management function consists of three service area budgets: Solid Waste Management (3305); Rural Transfer Station Service (3306) and Waste Reduction Service (3307). The following sections provide a general description of each budget and the following Table 5-1 provides a breakdown of revenues and expenditures for the three budgets.

5.1 Solid Waste Management – Budget 3305

The Solid Waste Management Program provides the solid waste reduction and residual waste management services to each member municipality and electoral area in the RDFFG. Key services include: centralized composting at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill; recycling services including administration of a service contract for the regional multi-material recycling program; waste minimization and avoidance; operation of transfer stations; operation of the Foothills Boulevard


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Regional Landfill, the Mackenzie Regional Landfill and the Legrand Select Regional Landfill; and, monitoring and maintenance of closed rural landfill sites.

5.2 Rural Transfer Station Service – Budget 3306

The Rural Transfer Station Service constitutes the equivalent of a municipal solid waste collection system within the electoral areas. Funds raised from this budget pay for the landfill tipping fees charged when waste from rural transfer stations is ultimately deposited in a regional landfill. Operating funds to pay the landfill tipping fees for waste collected through the rural transfer station system are raised from a local service area (established by bylaw) which consists of Electoral Areas A, C, D, E, F, G, and H.

5.3 Waste Reduction Services – Budget 3307

This is a new service to establish a waste reduction service in the seven electoral areas, the District of Mackenzie, Village of McBride and Village of Valemount. The purpose of this service is to provide a waste reduction service to the Regional District’s rural and small communities for the collection, processing and marketing of recyclables. Operating costs of this service are recovered by a property tax.

Table 5-1: RDFFG Solid Waste Budget (2015)18

Budget # # 3305 #3306 #3307

Solid Waste Management

Rural Transfer Station

Waste Reduction Total

Revenue Sources: $ $ $ $

Requisition 3,000,000 373,840 500,000 3,873,840

Parcel Tax — — — —

Fees & Charges 4,840,190 — — 4,840,190

Transfer from Reserves 194,500 — — 194,500

Prior Year's Surplus 2,724,860 5,850 — 2,730,710

Borrowing Proceeds — — — —

Other Revenue 3,065,370 30,300 3,000 3,098,670

Total Revenue 13,824,920 409,990 503,000 14,737,910

Expenditures: $ $ $ $

Operations 7,149,690 409,990 503,000 8,062,680

Capital 5,425,000 — — 5,425,000

Debt Interest 66,000 — — 66,000

Debt Principal 66,530 — — 66,530

Transfer to Reserves 1,117,700 — — 1,117,700

Total Expenditures 13,824,920 409,990 503,000 14,737,910

18 Regional Solid Waste Management 2015-2019 Financial Plan, November 2014


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Municipal solid waste management costs (primarily related to the provision of collection services) are not included in the above budget information.

5.4 Regional Solid Waste Management Financial Plan

In February 2013, the RDFFG Board of Directors approved a long-term financial plan for the Solid Waste Management Service to support the implementation of the 2008 RSWMP, comply with regulatory requirements and provide a strategy to deal with landfill closure liabilities. The approved Financial Plan forecasts a 10 year accumulative budget of $101,144,740 (2012 dollars) to meet these requirements. To meet the funding gap if the 2012 user rate and requisition total were maintained at 2012 levels, the Financial Plan provides a combination of strategies including:

Implementation of a progressive tipping fee increase over seven years to achieve a base rate tipping fee of $90 per tonne in 2019 ($72 in 2015);

Implementation of progressive requisition increases to cushion any potential impacts should waste to landfill see any dramatic changes in volume to landfill;

Introduction of a small load user fee of $6 at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill (effective September 2013);

An evaluation of current services to determine if there are cost savings opportunities; and,

Review and update the financial plan every 3 years.

6 The Planning Process

This report describes the current conditions for solid waste management in the RDFFG. This information, along with a memorandum that summarizes the issues and opportunities associated with the current system, are the starting point for updating the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan.

This report will be presented to the Technical Advisory Committee at their first meeting to ensure a common understanding of the breadth of solid waste management activities in the RDFFG. It is from this basis that discussions regarding the future of solid waste management will begin.

phase 1 report existing solid waste management system

Documents