In order for the County of Simcoe to manage waste, staff need to plan for the future.
Public participation is vital as the Waste Management Strategy continues to develop, since it will affect future waste diversion and disposal services.
The county’s diversion programs now manage more than 50 per cent of the waste generated in the area. A strategy needs to be developed to further increase diversion, to reduce the amount of garbage requiring disposal and to identify how the remaining garbage should be managed over the next 20 years. The county is committed to working towards zero waste, while remaining fiscally responsible and becoming good stewards for the environment.
An online feedback form is available at www.wastestrategy.simcoe.ca, to allow residents the opportunity to comment and offer practical input on the process. Updated information on the strategy process, including presentations made to the strategy steering committee on Dec. 16 and Jan. 18, and to county council on Jan. 28, can also be found online.
Stantec Consulting has been employed to provide expert independent advice and develop the waste management strategy document. The strategy will make recommendations on all aspects of the county’s waste management practices and facilities, set goals, identify diversion opportunities and suggest collection, procession and disposal options for both the short and long term.
Members of the general public are invited to attend several upcoming consultation sessions. The Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston, Wasaga Beach RecPlex and North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre in Midland will host sessions on Feb. 8, 9 and 10, respectively. Each session will run from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with a formal presentation and question and answer session starting at 7.