At Prince Edward County council, the future of waste disposal and the roadside littering problem in Prince Edward County was discussed June 9.

Municipal staff responding to the increasing amounts of waste (especially organic waste) in the county, and the goal to meet waste diversion targets set by the province, which include a potential future ban on organic waste in landfills because of methane concerns, prepared recommendations that included:

(1) studying the feasibility of building a local organics management facility;

(2) a composter giveaway;

(3) allowing for increased competition when selecting an organic waste management provider;

Moreover, a pilot program was recommended that would allow up to ten individuals with medical conditions to dispose of one additional bag of non-hazardous garbage weekly.

During the committee’s queries, South Marysburgh Coun. John Hirsch raised the issue of illegal roadside dumping and whether having “free dump days” would remedy the problem. Albert Paschkowiak, Supervisor of Environmental Services and Sustainability, in response affirmed that having staff continue to pick up roadside refuse or operating dump sites for extra days have similar costs.

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