Waste management is a significant and growing municipal challenge, especially here in Parry Sound, District.
With costs steadily increasing, municipalities are increasingly dealing with issues related to disposal and capacity.
On February 4th, Seguin Council was updated on waste and recycling management activities within the Township for the 2018 calendar year.
“There are several external factors threatening our bottom line in the area of waste management,” said Peter Koppisch, Director of Public Works. “Last year we saw recycling costs increase by 23% per tonne, due in part to the drop in commodity prices and our contractor pricing increases.”
But even with external pressures, Seguin staff say they are hoping to improve efficiencies and service for residents. In 2018, 16.4 tonnes of electronics were diverted from the Seguin landfill through the Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) program. Since 2009, the Township has diverted 214.19 tonnes of electronics from the landfill and generated $37,895 in revenue. Moreover, in 2018, approximately 2,681 tires were recycled through the Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) program; since 2009, the Township has diverted approximately 9000 tires from the landfill and generated $6,600 in revenue.
The addition of a second clothing donation bin at each waste transfer site, in partnership with the Diabetes Association, has resulted in a total of 52,400 pounds of textiles being diverted from the landfill in 2018, this represents 30% growth over 2017. In addition to diverting textiles from the landfill, these donations help to support the 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes. Donations of empty cans and bottles are also accepted Seguin’s Waste Transfer sites, in support of charities such as Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged.
Last year also marked significant upgrades to the Humphrey Waste transfer site.
“This past year we made progress on our Waste Management Strategy by eliminating all of our small garbage bins and small garbage trucks,” said Koppisch. “Humphrey was the last site to see the installation of a transistor, which is a large bin that collects waste that is transferred into a compacting waste trailer, and then hauled off to the landfill. This has allowed us to improve the delivery of service we are able to offer to the public, as we no longer have to handle the waste twice.”
For more information about Waste Management practices in Seguin Township or to view the full report, visit the Township of Seguin website or call (705) 732-4300.