Increased flexibility for residential and commercial customers, along with adjustments to drop off and fee schedules are among the highlights of enhancements to the Waste Watch program announced today as a result of public input and suggestions. The enhancements were announced as part of an update on activities of the Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC) provided today by Premier Pat Binns and Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea.
"Now that IWMC has completed its first year of Waste Watch province wide, it's a good time to reflect upon the progress achieved to date and identify options to further that progress. As the program moves from the capital phase to a more operational phase, there's an opportunity to incorporate feedback from the public about how to improve Waste Watch even further. I'd like to thank the public for their continued support and cooperation in this important environmental initiative for Islanders," said Premier Binns.
Among the highlights of the inaugural year of Waste Watch are the launching of the three source separation programs (compost, waste, recyclables) Island wide to 55,000 households, making Prince Edward Island the first province to achieve this to date and a national leader in responsible waste management; completion and opening of the Central Compost Facility in Brookfield to help significantly reduce the volume of waste being sent to Island landfills by 65 percent; and closure of 14 community dumps and 9 container sites across the province to help protect the quality of Island groundwater.
"Bringing a program like Waste Watch Island wide is a challenging task, so we're always examining ways to improve services to Islanders. We've been encouraged by the support and participation of the public in Waste Watch to date. I'm hopeful that the enhancements being announced today reflect the feedback we've received from Islanders and will help Waste Watch benefit them further," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea.
The enhancements announced today, as part of a Six-Point Plan of Progress for Waste Watch, include:
• Expanded opportunity for community representation, input and feedback on ongoing IWMC activities, policies and practices.
• Expanded education and outreach services to commercial customers.
• Increased capacity for IWMC's Customer Support Centre to improve turnarounds on Waste Watch enquiries by the public.
• Increased flexibility for residential users of Waste Watch Drop-Off Centers.
• Increased flexibility for multi-unit apartment buildings.
• An option for increased flexibility in Waste Watch fees and services for cottages.
A backgrounder on these enhancements, along with timetables for implementation, is included below.
Shea advised that, with respect to the Central Compost Facility, the upgrades performed to the plant this spring by the operator have had a positive impact, resulting in an improved performance. Third party testing as required by federal regulations shows that the finished compost material is achieving Category A results.
"The fact that the compost being produced is meeting quality standards under federal regulations is very good news. As the plant matures, the turnaround time to produce compost will decrease which will help IWMC meet its projected targets as originally planned. Thanks to the agreement between the operator and IWMC, the costs for these upgrades will be borne by the operator rather than the taxpayers," observed Shea.
Shea also announced that, as part of the continuing effort to make Waste Watch open, accessible, and accountable to Islanders, an Annual Waste Watch Update will become an ongoing feature of the program.
"These enhancements being made today to Waste Watch will build upon the existing strength of the program to help ensure that a safe, clean environment is a legacy that present and future generations of Islanders will enjoy and cherish," said Premier Binns.
BACKGROUNDER: SIX-POINT PLAN OF PROGRESS
• COMMUNITY INPUT – In order to increase community representation and input into policies, practices and ongoing IWMC activities, a Waste Watch Community Liaison Committee will be created. Meeting regularly, the Waste Watch Community Liaison Committee will include citizens chosen from across the province, based on geography, residential and commercial interest to provide feedback on present and future activities. Timetable: October 1, 2003
• PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH – Following a successful pilot program, a Waste Watch Business Support Program will be launched Island wide. This will involve IWMC staff visiting businesses to promote the program and assist with any technical questions for businesses. The primary focus will be to assist businesses in managing and reducing waste disposal costs. Timetable: August 15, 2003
• WASTE WATCH DROP-OFF CENTERS (WWDC) – A number of enhancements are planned to improve flexibility and customer service at WWDC's. Among them are:
• The establishment of a maximum residential user rate of $15, as opposed to the $95 per tonne currently charged. There will be no limit to the number of visits per year eligible under the new changes; however, only residential users paying a Householder User Fee will be eligible to use this service. Commercial users will still be charged the current $95 per tonne rate. Two exceptions to the new maximum residential rate will include Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials and mixed waste (non sorted).
• Lower the rate for asphalt shingles from $95 per tonne to $20 per tonne. Due to logistical and disposal issues, asphalt shingles will now be charged a flat rate of $20 per tonne if separated as opposed to the $95 per tonne currently charged at WWDC sites.
• Free drop off of large, otherwise uncollected, items. Presently, large household items not currently collected curbside during the annual Spring and Fall cleanup in May and November must be taken to a WWDC and fee charged. This will now be enhanced to allow year-round free drop off of materials such as mattresses, box springs, sofas and other items 4 feet in length or exceeding 75 lbs. Only residential customers will be eligible to utilize this service. Materials collected curbside such as yard waste won't be eligible.
Timetable: August 1, 2003
• CALL CENTRE ENHANCEMENTS – The volume of calls received by the IWMC call centre varies throughout the year, sometimes resulting in waits. Each call is currently logged by the nature of the question and concern. Most calls are of a technical nature (what goes where) with the average wait now approximately several minutes. To enhance this service, computer software and internal processes are being upgraded to further reduce turnaround times for customers. Timetable: Immediately
• INCREASED FLEXIBILITY FOR MULTI-UNIT APARTMENT BUILDINGS – To address logistical and other concerns for multi-unit apartments in adjusting to Waste Watch, landlords will now have the FlexOption of using containers rather than carts for their properties if so desired. Loads collected would be delivered to disposal sites as a commercial load but, due to the load being generated residentially, it would be weighed as other residential loads and the collector would not be charged tippage for hauling materials from a property using this FlexOption. Waste Watch guidelines and source separation will still be applied. Timetable: September 1, 2003
• COTTAGES/SEASONAL RESIDENCES – Currently, Waste Watch services for cottages and summer residences cover a four-month period from June 1 to September 30 at a rate of $85 annually. To better serve cottages and summer residences open during both shoulder seasons and provide flexibility to existing customers, the rate charge will be adjusted for 2004 so that cottages and summer residences will be charged $60 which will cover service from June 1 to September 30. Those wishing to have service prior to June 1 and after September 30 will have the FlexOption of applying for an extended service rate of $85 annually. Timetable: May 1, 2004