FAQs
What is a Solid Waste Management Plan?
Under the Province of B.C..’s Environmental Management Act regional districts are mandated to develop plans for the management of solid waste and recyclable materials.
SWMPs include significant public consultation and engagement with the public and technical experts to identify goals for the future reduction of waste and the tools that will be used to achieve those goals.
An approved solid waste management plan authorizes a regional district to manage municipal solid waste and recyclable material in accordance with the plan, including through any conditions set out in operational certificates, permits or local bylaws. Regional districts can make bylaws regulating the management of municipal solid waste and recyclable material and can set fees for disposal.
Why is a SWMP needed?
Solid waste management planning is a proven way to reduce the amount of solid waste requiring disposal in a region, contributing to protection of the environment. As our population grows, more waste will be generated.
Along with the challenges of managing waste – such as limited landfill space – waste also causes further environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions. Setting long-term goals to reduce waste will relieve pressure on current systems.
Has the ACRD already decided how waste will be managed in my community?
No, the ACRD has not decided how waste will be managed in your community.
At this stage of the planning process, we're sharing possible strategies and need your feedback to make sure we find solutions that work for your community. These strategies have been developed with input from a Public Advisory Committee and community engagement completed in 2023.
When this current engagement window is complete, we’ll post the results online and consider all feedback, before creating a draft plan that will come back to you, the community, for final input before it is submitted to the Province.