Reducing Waste

Nearly half of waste sent to Hartland Landfill is not garbage. The CRD's Solid Waste Management Plan has a target of reducing waste in the region by more than one third over the next decade. Through zero waste and circular economy principles, the plan includes strategies for reducing all streams of solid waste to extend the life of Hartland Landfill to 2100 and beyond.

5R Pollution Prevention Hierarchy

Together, there is a lot we can do to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by following the 5R Pollution Prevention Hierarchy [PDF/251KB].

Reduce is the 1st "R" of the 5R pollution prevention hierarchy and should always be considered first when looking for opportunities to limit waste.

Tips to reduce:

Think about your purchases. Do you need it? Can you buy it with less packaging? Consider buying local, second hand or items made from recycled materials.
Reduce food waste by making a meal plan and buying only what you know you will use. More tips and recipes at Love Food Hate Waste Canada.
Purchase products that are made to last. That way you won't have to replace them as frequently. Think quality over quantity.
Avoid items that come in single serving packages such as granola bars or coffee pods. Buy items in larger bulk or make your own.
Make your own cleaning products using common household ingredients. This eliminates excess packaging, is less harmful to the environment and can save you money. Try these recipes for a greener way to clean.

Reuse is the 2nd "R" of the 5R pollution prevention hierarchy and should be considered after reducing as much waste as possible. Reuse refers to using materials and products again. This could be through giving items a new life or a new home.

Tips for reuse:

Repair items, when possible, instead of throwing them away. Ask a handy friend for help or attend a Repair Café  (e.g., North Saanich, Fairfield).
Remember a reusable coffee cup and water bottle when you leave the house. Many coffee shops will let you use a clean reusable cup and there are many places you can fill a water bottle
Reuse rather than dispose. Newspapers can be used as gift wrap or to line your compost bin. Glass jars can be used for storage.
Bring your reusable grocery and produce bags when shopping. To further reduce single-use plastics buy products directly from local farmers market.
Rent and borrow items you rarely use (suits, tools, decorations etc.).
Post items that are in good condition in a local buy and sell group
Donate reusable items to charity, remember to 'donate responsibly' by contacting organizations first to find out what they accept.
Plan a clothing swap with friends or host a yard sale.

Recycling is the 3rd "R" of the 5R pollution prevention hierarchy and should be considered after trying to first reduce and reuse. Recycling services vary depending on where recycling is generated.

By participating in recycling programs, we are taking responsibility for the products we purchase and supporting a system where these materials can be used over and over again. Recycling is a process that involves three main steps: collection, processing, and remanufacturing.

Check out these guides by the Recycle Council of BC for information on the history of recycling in British Columbia as well as a summary of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs in the province.

The 4th "R" of the 5R pollution prevention hierarchy, resource recovery should only be considered once we have tried to reduce, reuse and recycle.

This practice uses technology to recover as much material or energy from the waste stream as possible.

Landfill Gas

Landfill gas is produced from decomposing garbage. This gas is mainly made up of carbon dioxide and methane, which is an energy source. In 2003, a landfill gas-to-electricity plant was built at Hartland Landfill to utilize the methane from landfill gas to produce electricity.

The facility produces close to 1.6 megawatts of green power - enough electricity to supply about 1,600 homes. The current plant is reaching its end of life and will be updated with a new facility that will convert landfill gas to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) for use in the FortisBC system. Learn more about the gas-to-electricity plant.

Technology Research

Investigating the feasibility of emerging waste management technologies is a key strategy of the Solid Waste Management Plan.

The CRD Board approved next steps for a pilot program that will evaluate potential thermal resource recovery options for some construction waste materials received at Hartland Landfill. The CRD is working with a technical advisor on developing a material diversion and beneficial use strategy.

CRD to Investigate New Resource Recovery Options

Rethink Waste Newsletter

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Personal information collected using this form is in accordance with Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purposes of public engagement using the Rethink Waste e-newsletter. If you have questions about the collection or use of this information, contact:

Russ Smith
Senior Manager, Environmental Resource Management
Capital Regional District
250.360.3080
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Reducing Waste

5R Pollution Prevention Hierarchy

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Recovery

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