A new scale is up and running at the Sechelt Landfill, while the new drop-off area is expected to open in mid-November.
As of Oct. 26, the landfill can accept materials such as tires, paint and some appliances once again. The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) temporarily banned some materials from being disposed at the landfill when construction of the new drop-off area and remediation work began in May.
Work on the new drop-off area began after several sinkholes caused by buried drywall at the landfill were discovered in early 2020. While the project was initially expected to be completed by August, it was delayed by a rodent infestation that required replacement of the scale building. Costs were also increased when a protected bird species was found nesting in construction materials. An official opening for mid-November will be announced.
As the Sechelt Landfill is expected to be near capacity by 2025, the SCRD is seeking input from residents on the future of solid waste disposal on the Coast.
The SCRD has a two-phase plan: engaging the community about temporarily exporting waste outside the region, and securing a long-term solid waste disposal option for the region.
The SCRD is now looking for public input on the first phase of the plan, regarding exporting waste to an existing facility. This option would only be used if the existing Sechelt Landfill closes before a new facility on the Coast is fully operational.
“We look forward to meeting with the community to hear your thoughts, concerns and ideas on the future of solid waste on the Sunshine Coast,” Aidan Buckley, the SCRD’s manager of communications and engagement, said in a press release. “This is the first step in a long process, and we want to help residents stay informed and provide input on the plan in the coming years.”
The Sechelt Landfill is currently the only waste disposal option approved in its 2011 solid waste management plan, the regional district said. A new option must be identified before the landfill closes, and an amendment to the solid waste management plan would take about a year to receive approval from the province.
The SCRD will also be working with shíshálh Nation, Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and other local governments on the plan.
More information can be found at letstalk.scrd.ca/trash. The SCRD will also host an online information session about the project and answer questions on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. In-person information booths will also be available later in November.
