Building a Better Solid Waste System, Together

We know the majority of people recycle because it's the right thing to do. When we start looking at those who do not there are a few reasons. Sometimes they don't know it's required/expected, or they aren't sure of how to do it. We can reach those people through education/awareness (brochures, in person workshops, advertising etc). There are others who, for whatever reason, do not feel that they should have to recycle or don't want to do it. At this point we have to bring in enforcement. Inspections are conducted at businesses to ensure they have all the right bins in place to sort waste. This is paired with education to ensure staff are using the bins properly. At the curb we currently enforce through our bag limit - anything above the limit is left behind. There are other tools recommended in this process (including lowering the bag limit and/or clear bags) which could help with the enforcement at the curb.

Hi Scott, The midterm project report is now available under Background Information, or at: http://shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/document/show/53. Thanks for your question. -Engagement Team

All of the clear bag programs that have been implimented in Nova Scotia include a 'privacy bag'. This means that one solid colour black/green bag can be used per household on each collection day. Any bags in addition to that (up to the limit) must be clear. This has been a successful tool in addressing concerns residents have with privacy, as well as using up existing supply of black garbage bags. Thank you for your question. ~ Shannon, HRM Solid Waste

Thanks for your question, and we appreciate your feedback. The waste system is complicated, and we've been developing tools throughout the engagement process to help communicate how it currently works and the options under consideration that Council would like to get the public's input on. Information and feedback mechanisms on the portal have been evolving on an ongoing basis to mirror the engagement that happens at in-person events. Just today, we've launched a new video, background information, as well as an extensive survey and five new discussion forums. I encourage you to check out this new information and provide your feedback. Thanks again, - Engagement Team

Hi Rebecca, Members of the Sackville community are very welcome to join us at any of the upcoming sessions. The closest event in Bedford (intended for all surrounding communities as well) will be held on October 17 from 7 to 9pm at the Bedford Hammonds Plains Community Centre. Please feel free to share the event details. We hope you can join us! Thanks, - Engagement Team

The SNC Lavalin Peer Review provides the following breakdown of expected savings and potential incremental costs for additional operational categories and programs related to the case for closing the FEP/WSF: Financial Review: Reductions to HRM Solid Waste Budget if FEP and WSF are closed: $7.2 M/year Front End Processing (FEP) Unit annual operations budget $1.7 M/year Waste Stabilization Facility (WSF) annual operations budget $1.8 M/year FEP / WSF capital cost and repair budget $0 / year No change in cost to repurpose or decommission if done 10 years early $0 / year No change in salvage value for FEP / WSF if done 10 years early $10.7 M/yr Cumulative reduction to HRM budget if FEP / WSF are closed Financial Review: Additions to HRM Solid Waste Budget if FEP and WSF are closed $100 K/year Residual Disposal Facility (RDF) additional labour $100 K/year RDF area additional annual access road improvements and relocations $0 /year RDF infrastructure charge due to change in material density and volume $100 K/year RDF area addition to annual mechanical equipment compaction effort $0 /year RDF Gas Management Resources change in infrastructure and operations $0 /year RDF change in annual odour incident responses, and leachate collection, transportation and treatment budget $300 K/year White Goods Program (additional resources) $150 K/year Household Hazardous Waste Program (additional resources) $100 K/year RDF area additional mechanical compaction efforts and equipment $100 K/year Scale house and associated functions salvaged from FEP budget $950 K/yr Cumulative additions to HRM budget if FEP / WSF are closed $10.7 M - $950 k = $9,750,000 or approx. $10 M annually. HRM Solid Waste Staff

Hi there, Thanks for your question. As the community engagement facilitators, our role is to gather feedback on the options under consideration to evolve the waste system, including closure/repurposing of the Front End Processor and Waste Stabilization Facility (FEP-SWF). In the upcoming phase of engagement that begins next week, residents will have the opportunity to provide specific feedback on the future of the FEP-SWF. The feedback we gather on all options will be reflected in a report delivered to Regional Council to inform their decision making. Any decisions about the options under consideration will be made by Council, taking into account the public’s feedback, the findings of the strategy review, consultants’ reports, and other key considerations. Thanks again, -Engagement Team

Hi there, thanks for your question! The paper is provided for brainstorming during table discussions. We consider it something of a "rough copy", a place to jot down comments and ideas, and draw whatever you like. We harvest what people say in the room, write on post-it notes, and the comments shared on the feedback forms. We appreciate your feedback and will be sure to explain the purpose of the table paper in upcoming sessions. More information on the World Cafe style of community engagement can be found at: http://www.theworldcafe.com/method.html Thanks again, -Engagement Team

Hi Kristen, Thanks for your question. You can find that report here: http://shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/document/show/31, or under Background Information, in the Consultant Reports folder. Kind regards, Engagement Team

Hello, We are currently working to answer the large volume of questions from last week's Town Hall meetings. We hope to post responses as soon as possible early this week, along with the materials presented. Thanks for your question. - Engagement Team