Ms. Janice Cole appeared before the
Committee expressing concern with Burnaby’s practice for disposal of household
hazardous waste.
The speaker noted that miscellaneous
hazardous household waste is not accepted curb site and at Still Creek
Recycling Depot, unless it is in the original container. Products not in the
original container can be poured onto kitty litter or rags and put in
household garbage for pick up, or taken to Terra Pure (formerly New Alta).
Ms. Cole noted that Township of
Langley offers a once a year pick up of such waste, working with Terra Pure,
which then streams to Alberta where it is incinerated.
The speaker further noted that the
City’s website (City Services - Garbage & Recycling) should be translated
to many languages to inform all Burnaby residents. The City could be working
with the School District and university students to translate these messages
for free.
In conclusion, Ms. Cole expressed
concerns with certain plastics (i.e. cereals, chips, zip log bags, etc.) that
are non-recyclable, and inquired if the City could incorporate these into the
recycling stream.
Staff provided an overview of the
recycling program, and noted the Province is ultimately responsible for the
regulations. As for translation, the City’s website is translated to five
languages, based on statistics, which represents approximately 60% of the
City’s population. The City also uses same colour coded scheme for single
family and multi-family waste and recycling to bring uniformity.
Arising from discussion, the
following motion was introduced:
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CALENDINO
SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR DHALIWAL
THAT this matter be REFERRED
to staff for review.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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