NIAGARA REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (WMAC) Niagara Regional Headquarters, 2201 St. David s Rd., Thorold Meeting of Tuesday April 8, 2008 MEETING 7-2008 Meeting Notes Present: Committee Members Doug Symington Gracia Janes (via conference phone) Ronald Scott David Hall Peter Howes Heather Verrier Kevin Diamond Ken Baigent Dean Cruikshank John Bacher Colin Macfarlane Albert Witteveen Art Federow Niagara Region Staff Lydia Torbicki Brad Whitelaw Leila Khan Cruikshank Cheryl Crawley Observers None Guests Alex Kuthy Absent: Jim Koolsbergen Regrets: Chris Feltis Frank Adamson 1. Approval of Agenda That the agenda be approved. Moved by: John Bacher 2. Presentations a) Alex Kuthy, Al s Marine & Furniture Upholstery Mr. Kuthy explained his request to have the Region pick up furniture from residents to be repaired and reupholstered by his company. Several comments and questions were raised by members: A member asked about the training element in the project. Mr. Kuthy would like to use this opportunity to train students in furniture repair. Page 1 of 7
Another member asked if car upholstery was included in Mr. Kuthy s plan? The response from Mr. Kuthy was yes, this could be included. A member expressed concern that Mr. Kuthy s plan would be ignored and not pursued. It was asked if the proposed re-use centres could accommodate Mr. Kuthy s request. Staff explained that the re-use centre construction must still be approved. The extra costs associated with providing a new service would have to be evaluated. There are many potential initiatives which would contribute to increased diversion; however they have to be evaluated against the issue of affordability. The Region s policy sets out requirements for RFP, tenders and quotations, as opposed to sole sourcing with Mr. Kuthy. Issues of liability in providing the space, service, etc. would have to be investigated. Staff noted that Mr. Kuthy has made a delegation to the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee (WMPSC) requesting that the Region assist him in developing a plan for his business. Given that Al s Marine & Furniture Upholstery is a private sector business, the request was not approved. Another member requested a one page summary from staff on Mr. Kuthy s request. The item was referred to staff to discuss with the Acting Director; staff will bring information back to the committee at the next meeting (see Staff Directions). That the presentation be received. Moved by: Gracia Janes Seconded by: Kevin Diamond Carried. 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes of Last Meeting February 12, 2008 That the minutes of the February 12, 2008 meeting be approved. Moved by: Ronald Scott 4. Business Arising from the Minutes a) WastePlan Update Verbal Report As reported at the last meeting, the Joint Working Group (JWG) has been on a nine month hiatus. About three weeks ago, staff met to discuss arrangements for the May JWG meeting: The JWG co-chairs have approved a meeting for May 22/08 at 9 am. Staff will be bringing a report to the JWG with some recommendations for next steps. b) Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home Video Screening Verbal Report Staff gave a verbal report on the successful screening of the video. Approximately 180 people attended the event, including environmental groups, parents and children and members of the public. The filmmaker, Andrew Nisker, attended and answered questions following the film. The Green Bin mascot attended and there were giveaways such as reusable bags, pencils, promotional material, etc. Page 2 of 7
A member asked if the video would be shown in schools. Staff explained the school coordinator was arranging for this and the video would be available to all four school boards. Staff was requested to confirm that the video would be shown and that there would be some interactive activity with the students as part of the showing. As well, staff were asked to distribute the video to local libraries. (see Staff Directions). 5. Staff Directions Report A member asked about the staff direction on light ballasts. Staff gave a brief explanation: Light ballasts are acceptable at landfills, depending on quantities based on MOE regulations. If PCB s are present in the light ballasts, a code on the ballast may flag this. Light ballasts are not currently included in the HHW program. The new Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste (MHSW) program may include them, depending on an evaluation by staff. A member expressed concern with the codes on the light ballasts and how complicated they could be for residents. That the staff directions report be received. Moved by: Albert Witteveen 6. Reports a) Battery Recycling Pilot Launch Staff explained the report. The launch is planned for Earth Day, April 22, 2008. The purpose of the pilot is to provide residents of Niagara Region easy access to facilities for battery recycling. Single-use and rechargeable batteries will be collected and a communication plan is also being prepared. Funding from the Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) program plan will offset costs of the program. Staff were asked to provide details of the communication plan (see staff directions). An invitation to the launch will be sent to members. A member asked what the cost breakdown of the program would be. Staff responded that it would be an 80/20 split; 80% of the cost will be funded by stewards and 20% by municipalities. A member asked about the recycling process by the Port Colborne company (Raw Materials Company) that will be recycling the batteries. Staff will provide details at the next meeting (see Staff Directions). A member suggested using a yellow box for battery collection when collecting at designated locations for identification purposes. Staff mentioned there is also a potential to expand the collection of batteries to Regional offices, following the pilot. This is also noted in the report. A member also asked if drop-off boxes would be placed in municipal offices. Staff responded that this was also part of the plan, depending on the results of the pilot. A member asked about manufacturers take back programs. It was stated that producer responsibility laws need to be strengthened. Staff responded that an AMO report on Page 3 of 7
Blue Box Funding is addressing this issue. AMO is recommending this as part of the MHSW program plan for stewards. Also, staff stated that a full take-back program would be best, but the Province has been slow to take action on this issue. The Region has sent resolutions to the Province to increase Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). A member asked about the potential to collect batteries curbside. Staff responded that there are safety hazards and concerns, i.e. fire, with this type of collection, based on previous research. More information on the findings from this research will be provided at the next meeting. A member asked whether there was a dollar value to batteries. Staff responded that collection costs are greater than any revenue. A member asked what the cost per tonne to process HHW was. Staff will supply this information at the next meeting. A member expressed concern with environmental protection from hazardous materials by pushing recyclables into other markets. i.e. lead and mercury concerns. A member asked what the contract length with the HHW service provider was. Perhaps a shorter term should be considered due to introduction of MHSW program. Staff responded that this has been considered for the new contract. Also, staff indicated that the Association of Municipal Recycling Coordinators (AMRC) is considering standardizing this type of contract. b) Draft Waste Collection Services Options Research, DFA Inc. Staff gave an overview of the research. The report identifies diversion impacts based on different waste collection options. It should be noted that Ontario diversion rates are calculated differently than in Nova Scotia, so the comparisons are not apples to apples. A member asked what the diversion rate impact would be for clear bags and every other week waste collection. Staff responded that this was a challenge as the stats were not available. A clear bag pilot with every-other-week waste collection would be needed to define the impact. A member asked if the waste collectors would tag non-compliance bags. Staff responded it is standard to sticker the bag with a flag to identify the nature of the problem. A member requested that the Region monitor illegal dumping during the clear bag pilot. Staff responded that whenever there is a change in service or program, there is usually a peak in illegal dumping, but it levels out after a short time. It is an ongoing issue across Ontario regardless of programs/services in place. The Illegal Dumping report, which was recently provided to the committee, has more information on this. The Region is also working on an illegal dumping strategy. A member stated that he was shocked by the positive impact of using clear bags for waste. It alters behaviour and would like to see the clear bag program implemented right away. c) Level of Service and Rate Study (LOS/RS) Project Staff reviewed the LOS/RS project timeline and stated there may be changes, due to additional tasks. Focus groups have started; results should be available by the end of the month. The LOS/RS recommendations will be considered by WMPSC on May 27 th, 2008. A final report to committees and Council should occur in June 2008. Page 4 of 7
d) Niagara Region s Blue Box Program Report on Current State & Opportunities for Improvement A number of municipalities across Ontario, including Niagara Region, were selected to have their 2005 Blue Box program reviewed. This was undertaken to identify the Best Practices applicable to their program, as well as identify which factors were working well, and identify any potential opportunities for improvement. A total of eight Fundamental Best Practices were identified, which apply to all Ontario municipal Blue Box programs. Four additional Best Practices were identified for Niagara Region to consider, as part of its Blue Box program. A complete copy of the report is available for members to review, if requested. That the Reports be received for information. Moved by: Ronald Scott 7. Information Items a) Mailer for Elimination of Plastic Bags (Dinosaur Postcard) Staff gave a brief overview of mailer outlining the change to eliminate plastic bags from the Green Bin and leaf and yard waste on September 1, 2008. b) 2006 Residential GAP Diversion Rate Staff explained the 2006 residential diversion rates reported from Waste Diversion Ontario. Most Ontario municipalities have stalled at approximately 40%. Regulatory and financial support from the Province, and bans to keep organics out of landfills would help drive up the diversion rate. c) Smart Gardening Home Advisor Pilot Program FAQ s Staff gave a brief overview of the Smart Gardening Home Advisor Pilot program, to be offered in five area municipalities. Residents will receive free advice on how to garden smart from professional landscape advisors including; Reducing the use of pesticides General water efficiency Organic lawn care Grasscycling Composting Protecting yourself from the West Nile Virus Sun safety 8. Other Business a) Environment Day June 14, 2008 Staff asked for volunteers for the spring Environment Day several members volunteered. Members requested more information on the age limit for this and also if high schools could be contacted to request volunteers (see Staff Directions). That the secondary schools be contacted to request volunteers for Environment Day. Page 5 of 7 Moved by: Art Federow Seconded by: Ronald Scott Carried.
b) MWIN Zero Waste Conference Staff provided information on the upcoming MWIN Zero Waste Conference hosted by Niagara Region and to be held on June 10 12/08 in Niagara Falls. Staff requested if any members would like to attend this conference, please contact Cheryl. c) Input from WMAC on Green Bin Relaunch Communication Strategy Staff asked if any members of the committee who may be interested, to sit on a working group committee for the Green Bin Relaunch. Staff will send more details of this committee to members, and interested members may respond. A member asked what social and economics demographics for green bin participants were? Staff responded that there are typically relationships between certain demographics and the likelihood of 3Rs participation. However, surveys (door-to-door surveys and telephone polls) and curbside audits have been completed. This provides baseline data and measurements of the current level of participation and capture rates in the Green Bin program. d) Chris Feltis Resignation Staff advised the committee of Chris Feltis resignation from the WMAC committee. A thank you letter will be sent out and staff will advice the committee of the next step to replace Chris. 9. Next Meeting June 10, 2008, Niagara Regional Headquarters Building, Campbell West, Committee Room #3, 2201 St. David s Road, Thorold, 7-9 pm. 10. Adjournment That the meeting be adjourned. Moved by: Albert Witteveen Seconded by: Kevin Diamond Carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Page 6 of 7
Staff Directions 1. Staff to discuss Mr. Kuthy s request with Acting Director and bring information back to the committee at the next meeting. 2. Staff was requested to confirm that the Garbage! video would be shown at schools and that there would be some interactive activity with the students as part of the showing. As well, staff were asked to distribute the video to local libraries. 3. Staff to provide the following as a follow-up to the battery pilot: invitation to the Battery Recycling Collection Launch associated communication plan details on the recycling process used by Raw Materials Company cost per tonne to process batteries results of the research describing the concerns of curbside battery collection 4. Members requested more information on the age limit for the Environment Day, and also if high schools could be contacted to request volunteers. 5. Staff to send more details of the Green Bin Relaunch working group to members. Interested members are to respond if they would like to join the working group. Page 7 of 7