The plan to collect yard and kitchen waste is slowly progressing through the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.
ACRD Environmental Services Manager Rob Williams said as owners of the landfills, the ACRD is responsible for developing compost collection, or face tens of millions of dollars in costly landfill gas management infrastructure.
At yesterday’s Alberni – Clayoquot Regional District meeting, board members dissected a 99-page report on various options for composting.
Williams said any infrastructure required for the service should be covered by a $6 million grant from the province and feds, but taxpayers will be responsible for the $350,000 annual operating cost.
“Food and yard waste curbside collection program could result in a $27 to $55 increase per property per year, depending on the frequency of pick-up,” he said.
Port Alberni is already running garbage trucks built for separate compost collection, and all communities will discuss program options independently over the next few weeks.
Williams hopes the program can begin late next year.
