Infrastructure Canada has recently announced funding for a number of projects across small B.C. communities including $5.5 million for the Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) service to implement a regional organics composting facility to service the entire CSWM service area. The remaining $2.77 million of the $8.3 million project will be funded by the service.
The Comox Strathcona Solid Waste Management Plan targets a 70 per cent diversion rate by 2022 and the greatest remaining opportunity to meet this target is the removal of food from the waste stream. The removal of food has the added benefit of decreasing the amount of methane gas and greenhouse gas emissions produced by the landfill. Given that 35 per cent of landfill weight consists of organics, diverting food waste also extends the lifespan of a landfill. These are important considerations given the new cell 1 land fill in the Comox Valley opens in June of this year.
“The timing of this announcement couldn’t be better,” indicated James Mathers, Senior Manager of Comox Strathcona Waste Management Services . “Diverting food waste from our landfill is an achievable goal and shared commitment in ou r community. We look forward to moving ahead with achieving a sustainable solution for the management of food waste in our region.”
The CSWM service has been partnering with the City of Campbell River on a regional organics management solution. Since that time, a study has been conducted to examine the potential locations, technologies and costs of operating a regional organics facility.
With funding secure, the service can now finalize its analysis, select a site, develop a program and then design and construct the infrastructure required. The goal is to have a facility operational in 2020. The CVRD will work with member municipalities within the region to ensure the success of the new program. The Town of Comox and the Village of Cumberland currently participate in a food and yard waste pilot program. The CSWM is confident it can create a model that works for the entire region.
About Comox Strathcona Waste Management
The Comox Strathcona Waste Management service is a function of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and is responsible for two regional waste management centres that serve the Comox Valley and Campbell River, as well as a range of transfer stations and smaller waste-handling and recycling facilities for the electoral areas of the CVRD and the Strathcona Regional District. The CSWM service manages over 100,000 tonnes of waste and recycled material and oversees a number of diversion and education programs.
Media Contact
James Mathers, Senior Manager
Comox Strathcona Waste Management Services
Tel: 250-334-6025