As part of ongoing work to look at options for solid waste collection across a broader portion of the city, Victoria could include some public-sector entities in the proposed service.
Coun. Jeremy Caradonna will pitch a motion to council Thursday (June 19) to have staff explore the feasibility of including schools, libraries, and community centres in an expanded municipal solid waste collection service.
“The objective would be to provide more consistent and equitable service delivery across the city,” Caradonna said in a news release. Ideally consultation would take place with SD 61, Greater Victoria School Teachers Association, Greater Victoria Public Library and community centre operators.
City staff are currently two years into a look at municipal solid waste collection service for multi-family buildings in a bid to increase the diversion of recyclables and organics from landfill disposal. The goal is also to reduce the impacts of collection operations on emissions, noise, traffic, and parking in residential neighbourhoods.
“That work is underway, and staff are expected to report back to council on next steps for this expanded collection service in the fall,” Caradonna said.
Recently, the GVTA formally petitioned the city and the CRD to get more actively involved in the collection of garbage, recycling, and composting from SD61 schools, many of which are not actively involved in recycling or composting at all, leading to concerns from teachers, students, and parents.
“It is imperative that young people have the opportunity to participate in environmentally beneficial practices, including recycling and composting,” Caradonna said.
In general, public-sector entities rely on private waste haulers, with inconsistent service levels, sustainability commitments, and costs, and as a result, many public-sector organizations are missing out on opportunities to recycle and compost.
Caradonna’s motion is on the agenda as council meets June 19 starting at 9 a.m. Find ways to participate online at victoria.ca.
