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The Current Situation
- Saanich provides backyard residential garbage collection on a bi-weekly basis to approximately 31, 000 homes.
- 60 Tonnes of garbage is collected each day
- 30% of homeowners bring their cans to the curb for collection
- 8 trucks transport garbage to the Hartland landfill
- Another 6 trucks assist with collection
The Challenges
In 2009, the municipality began developing a Solid Waste Collection Service Strategy as a result of the following challenges:
Kitchen Waste Ban:
The Capital Regional District (CRD) has set a residential food organics (kitchen waste) ban starting in 2012.
Cost Containment:
The kitchen waste ban will result in a cost increase or require a change in garbage collection methods.
Fleet Replacement:
Current fleet and staff capacities are maximized. Growth in collection volumes will require additional vehicles and staff in the future.
Worker Safety:
Manually loading garbage by municipal employees generated 21% of all injury claims in 2008. Claim costs are expected to rise based on current service model demands.
The Options
Contemplating a change in garbage collection service to Saanich homeowners will require consultation and a phased approach.
Over the last three months, two homeowner focus groups and an employee group were consulted on how to improve services in light of the challenges.
Each group was asked to discuss and develop models that would:
- Meet the CRD 2012 food organics (kitchen waste) ban
- Meet environmental objectives
- Minimize future costs to homeowners
- Improve the health and safety of collectors
- Continue to provide quality services
The focus groups identified three options for consideration
Option #1 - Backyard Garbage Collection
Saanich staff continue to pick-up garbage from the backyard on a bi-weekly basis with the addition of kitchen waste being sorted and wheeled to the curbside by the homeowner. Estimated annual fee: $145 per home for garbage pick up plus $80 for kitchen waste pickup, total is $225
Option #2 - Curbside Garbage and Kitchen Waste Collection
Residents wheel their garbage and kitchen waste to the curb in two separate wheeled carts, supplied to the homeowner, for pick-up on a bi-weekly basis. Estimated annual fee: $140 includes cost of wheeled carts
Option #3 - Curbside Garbage, Kitchen & Yard Waste Collection
Residents wheel their garbage, food and yard waste to the curb in two separate wheeled carts, supplied to the homeowner, for pick-up on a bi-weekly basis. Estimated annual fee: $200 includes cost of wheeled carts.
Information Sessions
You are welcome to attend any of our information sessions:
- January 27, 2010 - University Heights Mall 10am-2pm
- February 1, 2010 - Tillicum Mall 9:30am-12:30pm
- February 4, 2010 - Thrifty Foods Broadmead 2pm-4pm
Online Open House
Click here to view the online presenation of the information presented at the live information sessions.
Tell Us What You Think
- The review work continues with community consultation before a preferred approach is developed.
- During January and February, 2010 we are looking for feedback in the following ways:
- View an “online open house” available on the Saanich website and complete the online survey
- Complete a survey – in a paper based format - available at the Municipal Hall or any Saanich Recreation Centre
- Write a letter to submit any additional comments or ideas in any time until February 28, 2010.
- All comments and feedback will be considered to develop a preferred approach.
Online Survey
Click here to complete an online version of the survey
Contact Staff
Need more information? Please just ask us:
Call: 250-475-5533
Email: garbagereview@saanich.ca
Mail: Garbage Services Review
770 Vernon Avenue,
Victoria BC V8X 2W7
You Are Welcome To:
- Keep track of the review’s progress on the Saanich web page, in the Saanich News, and in the Times Colonist.
- Attend the Council meeting when the results are presented for Council review and consideration. As always, these meetings are open to the public, and your comments (written or verbal) can be provided directly to Council.
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