New waste management strategy denied by Waterloo regional councillors
Posted Dec 22, 2023 03:37:53 PM.
Last Updated Dec 23, 2023 10:58:51 AM.
A motion was denied last week during the 2024 budget meeting that would have created a new waste management diversion strategy for the region. It was put forward by Waterloo’s Mayor, Dorothy McCabe, who has been pushing for a new plan to divert waste out of the local landfill as a way to battle climate change.
“There’s often clothing, electronics, even food that unfortunately ends up in our landfill,” said McCabe.
McCabe said she wanted regional council to work with the community to develop new systems that could divert some of these items away from the landfill. She added it connects with the region’s strategic plan.
“With on going inflation increases and affordability issues we know those are real for residents across the region. I think some councillors were looking to see ways to reduce the budget more immediately,” said McCabe.
Some councillors were looking into ways to save the region money, whereas a new waste diversion strategy would cost more money. McCabe’s motion would have an impact on the budget, she said, of about a quarter of a million dollars.
A staff report for the waste management strategy noted that if a program like that was put in place it would result in cost saving for the region. McCabe said the more availability in the landfill, the more money the region saves.
“I’m hoping that council and staff will see a way forward to hopefully make what was in my motion a reality. It was my first kick at the can at budget time, but I think in 2024 I’ll have another shot at it,” said McCabe.
A waste management strategy is already planned for next year, when regional councillors will look into waste management processes.
McCabe said she wanted to get staff and council thinking about it ahead of time and to signal to them that this was the direction she wants the region to go in.
“During the upcoming waste management strategy discussion, I’m hoping that either I reintroduce the motion or staff will come back with a report that potentially includes this idea as one of their recommendations,” said McCabe.
Additionally she added “If they don’t recommend it, I will certainly put it forward again.”
