City Reports Focus on Future of Waste Services

On Thursday, August 23, the City's Utility Committee will discuss eight separate reports about the future of waste management in Edmonton.

Of the eight reports, three ask councilors to make decisions on the following topics:

• Alternate Collection and Diversion Options for Grass, Leaf and Yard Waste
• Source Separated Organics Pilot
• Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors Strategic Review

"Years ago, we set an ambitious goal: to divert 90 per cent of residential waste from the landfill. Right now, we're not close enough and we have to look at new ways to do things," says Michael Labrecque, Branch Manager, Waste Services. "For over a year, we've reviewed our programs and looked at what other cities are doing well. From this, we know we need to put more emphasis on waste reduction and prevention, and that means

looking at how residents set out their waste, what waste gets collected, when, and how.
This is a topic that affects every Edmontonian, and we look forward to supporting City Council as they determine the best direction for our city."

Below is a quick summary of what Edmontonians can expect to see debated at Utility Committee:

• Waste Services' Four-year Business Plan: Provides a strategic overview for
  2019-2022. This report outlines the priorities for the upcoming four-year budget
  cycle, including key initiatives, performance indicators and the utility rate.

• Waste Services: 25-year Strategic Outlook: Outlines key focus areas for the
  updated waste management strategy as it pertains to regulated waste services
  (such as single-unit and multi-unit properties), as well as non-regulated  waste
  services (such as commercial and industrial waste). The report also provides an
  overview of public engagement beginning in fall 2018.

• Alternative Collection and Diversion Options for Grass, Leaf and Yard Waste:
  Details options for removing grass waste from regular waste collection,
  implementing seasonal collection of leaf and yard waste, and providing
  alternative disposal programs for both. The report outlines three options based
  on operational and financial considerations as well as public engagement.

• Source Separated Organics Pilot: Outlines options for a source separated
  organics program testing phase prior to the planned 2020 program
  implementation. Four options are presented, as well as details of planned public
  engagement. Following public engagement, Administration will make a formal
  recommendation to Utility Committee about final details for the testing phase,
  involving 5,600 homes across the city.

• Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors Strategic Review: Provides
  an overview of the operations of Waste Services' non-regulated business lines.
  The report recommends revisiting the overall strategic approach, including a
  targeted engagement program. With respect to the current construction and
  demolition (C&D) waste processing operations. Administration recommends an
  immediate review of the business model to determine whether restructuring can
  better position operations to meet financial and environmental goals.

• Extended Producer Responsibility: Gives a review of extended producer
  responsibility policies and programs (waste reduction, reuse and recycling
  activities) in other jurisdictions. Outlines potential opportunities and details on
  how an extended producer responsibility policy would affect Edmonton's waste
  program.

• Food Waste Reduction: Details options for food waste reduction strategies,
  including potential partnerships, public education campaigns and examples from
  other municipalities, along with measures of effectiveness.

• Reduction and/or Elimination Mechanisms of Single-use Plastics: Provides
  an overview of current practices in other jurisdictions to reduce and/or eliminate
  the use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, cups and straws.

Visit edmonton.ca/meetings for the full reports.
(Utility Committee -- Agendas, Minutes and Video).

Tell One Friend: "No Drinking Straw, Thank You"

Try this polite request to start meaningful conversations about waste..

Drinking straws are helpful tools in our daily lives. We see them everywhere and everyday. And some people really need them, especially people with disabilities. Then again, most of us don't need a drinking straw every time we dine out.

Politely decline a drinking straw and start a conversation.

Drinking straws are also a good way to start a conversation about garbage. They are a familiar example of single-use waste. Ask friends at your table what single-use items they can reduce.

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Try these tips to connect with friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers.

One Small Ask
"How about this. Would you try going without straws for just ONE week?"

Prompt Them
"By the way, guys, when our server comes around, I am going to order my beverage without a drinking straw. Who's with me?"

Give Positive Feedback
"Thanks for joining me."

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