Beyond the Bin: Solid Waste Planning in the ACRD

We know you haven't heard from us in awhile, but there's still a lot of work happening on the Solid Waste Management Plan for the ACRD.

The Advisory Committee, which consists of members of the public, First Nations, municipal staff, School District 70 and more, is working hard at moving the plan process forward, through a series of meetings to determine principles, guidelines and developing options to meet our future goals 'beyond the bin'.

To keep you informed about the work that is ongoing, the ACRD will post summaries of the Advisory Committee meetings with key discussion points, next steps and more!

Check them out under "Advisory Committee Meeting Summaries" - on the right side of the page!

Did you know that across the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, recyclables and food waste are the top waste types created in homes?

Or that the majority of people are using recycle depots regularly? And that recyclable containers are the most commonly returned item?

These are just a few of the insights gleaned from our recent Beyond the Bin: Solid Waste Planning in the ACRD Survey. The survey, which was live for 28 days, asked residents about how they use waste services now, their satisfaction with the services, and their interest in future changes. Over 450 people responded to the survey from across the regional district.

A summary report of the survey results and Phase 1 engagement activities is now posted.

The results of this survey will help the ACRD consider future options for waste services as they continue work on the Solid Waste Management Plan.

Thanks to all who participated! Three lucky winners of the $50 gift certificate draw have been contacted.

Port Alberni - Join the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) for a free movie screening of the Canadian-made documentary Scrap – a film about what happens to things when people are finished with them and how some people are reimagining those materials into something new.

The screening event will be held Oct. 17, marking the kick-off of a community survey from the ACRD. The survey aims to gather valuable insight on how our residents currently create and manage waste. It is the first stage of public engagement in the new Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) process now underway.

“Asking people to think about waste in a different way will be a key part of the SWMP process,” said Jodie Frank, solid waste project coordinator for the ACRD. “We need to understand that garbage doesn’t just go away and switch focus to how we can reduce it and how it can be treated like a resource. We want to think ‘Beyond the Bin’, and this film is a great tie - we’re excited to share it with the community.”

Join us: Scrap Movie Screening and Survey Launch
• Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6 - 8 pm
• Char’s Landing, 4815 Argyle St.
• Free Admission - PLEASE RSVP (spaces are limited) at bit.ly/acrdscrap

ABOUT SCRAP
SCRAP is a love letter to the things we use in our daily lives. This cinematic documentary tells the story of people who each have a deep connection to objects that have reached their 'end of life'. Together these stories convey a deeper environmental and human message about our relationship to things, the sadness we feel at their eventual loss, and the joy that we can find in giving them a new purpose. https://scrapdoc.ca/

At their Sept. 13 meeting, the ACRD's Board approved the appointment of the Public Advisory Committee for the Solid Waste Management Plan. These members will review information, provide feedback and act as a liaison with the community to relay information and comments. Congrats to all - and thank you for your interest!

Here's the list of Public Members:

UPDATE: Thank you to all who submitted applications for the advisory committee. The application window is now closed -watch for updates about the committee and next steps here!

A critical part of the Solid Waste Management Plan process is the leadership of an Advisory Committee. The committee receives and reviews information and provides feedback and advice. Members play an integral role in the plan process and are invited to ask questions, engage in discussions, and provide comment.

Members can be actively involved in waste management: ie: waste haulers, recycle depot operations or construction associations – or can be interested members of the general public. The ACRD will seek representation from a diverse group of interest and sectors.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.