2015 FCM Sustainable Communities Award — Waste — Co-winner 1
WINNER: City of Whitehorse, Yukon
WASTE
Solid Waste Action Plan Implementation
| Population: | Project duration: | Total project value: |
|---|---|---|
| 27,889 | 2012-ongoing | $3.2 million |
The City of Whitehorse, YK, is taking the lead among northern communities with a Solid Waste Action Plan that aims to divert at least half of its solid waste from landfill by 2015 and achieve zero waste by 2040.
The city has collected organics from single-family homes for over a decade, but more than 90 per cent of its waste comes from the rapidly growing commercial sector. The action plan focuses on commercial, institutional and construction waste and prioritizes high-volume materials from high-volume producers. City staff members are working one-on-one with businesses to help them implement customized waste diversion plans.
The city has changed its bylaws to help divert cardboard, wood and organics from landfill; and is also doubling its composting capacity. Stricter enforcement at landfill and higher tipping fees for certain items also encourage diversion. Implementing the plan will allow the city to cut waste processing costs, reduce soil and water contaminants, increase soil and compost production, and delay the costly development a new landfill site.
Results
| Environmental | Economic | Social |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Challenges
- Hiring new staff for program implementation and enforcement took longer than expected.
- Administrative and legislative changes must be made before operations begin. For example, the city had to update the fees and charges bylaw to offer the new organics program.
- Building public-private partnerships is challenging: businesses range from mom-and-pop shops to huge enterprises, with wide-ranging goals and resources.
Lessons learned
- Get council support early: political commitment is essential, especially in a small community.
- Use innovative, ongoing communications to keep partners informed and engaged.
- Ensure that waste management costs are paid by the users. With a user-pay system, high-volume waste producers pay more.
- Target your public engagement — hold sector-by-sector meetings, followed by community-wide consultations.
- Determine sector-specific requirements (bin sizes, space issues, waste volume and collection frequency) and schedule service groupings to control costs and streamline processes.
Resources
Partners and Collaborators
- Zero Waste Yukon
- Yukon Government Department of Community Services
- Yukon Government Department of Education
- City of Whitehorse
- Village of Haines Junction
Project Contact
Shannon Clohosey
Manager of Environmental Sustainability
City of Whitehorse, YK
T. 867-334-2111
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
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