Solid Waste Action Plan Update
We're reviewing our Solid Waste Action Plan to improve how the City manages solid waste.
We've been adding waste to our landfill for the last 24 years, and at current disposal rates, it will be full in 34 years. While that may seem like a long time, finding a new landfill site can take decades and cost millions of dollars in land acquisition, permitting, environmental considerations, and development long before it can accept any waste. As Whitehorse experiences significant growth and development, we must plan accordingly to maximize waste diversion.
The Solid Waste Action Plan (SWAP) influences how the City manages waste. The SWAP sets diversion targets to maximize the life of our current landfill and support the City goal of Zero Waste. The City's 2013 Solid Waste Action Plan set a goal of 50% diversion by 2015. While we've made improvements to diversion, we still need to make significant changes to reach our goal of 50%.
How to get involved:
We want to hear from you as we plan to increase diversion! Your feedback helps us identify the following:
- Current diversion challenges and barriers to waste reduction, reuse, and recycling;
- Potential gaps in service;
- Ideas for new or modified services; and
- Recommendations for improving waste management across the city.
1. See what we heard from the surveys in the SWAP: What We Heard Report attached in the Further Reading section.
2. Share your ideas. How can we improve waste management? Have you seen something in another city you would like us to consider? Let us know!
3. Have you seen illegal dumping? Know of a trailhead or recreation area where you'd like to see a waste bin? Place a pin on our interactive map!
Our Promise to you:
We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge your concerns and preferences, and provide feedback on how public input was considered in our review.
Illegal Dumping and Future Waste Bins
Out walking the dog? Taking a stroll through the trails? Enjoying a bike ride? We want to hear from you about recreation sites, trail heads, alleyways, bus stops, green belts, or other areas that you notice illegal dumping and/or high rates of litter. Place a red pin on the map of Whitehorse to help give us an idea of what you see on the ground. This data will help guide us with the compliance recommendations for the SWAP as Bylaw Services works with YG Conservation Officer Services to target illegal dumping.
Think we need more waste bins out there? Tired of carrying the dog poop bag home with you after a long walk? Let us know by adding a blue pin to the map of Whitehorse! Pins for future garbage receptacles sites will help us decide where more are needed and how we can make waste disposal more accessible for everyone!
Remember to report illegal dumping to Bylaw Services at 667-2111 or through the Government of Yukon's TIPP line at 1-800-661-0525.
