The 4th "R" of the 5R pollution prevention hierarchy [PDF/251KB], resource recovery should only be considered once we have tried to reduce, reuse and recycle.
This practice uses technology in an attempt 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.
Technology Research
Investigating the feasibility of emerging waste management technologies is a key strategy of the region’s new solid waste management plan aimed at reducing the region’s waste per capita rate by more than 30% to 250 kg/year in the next decade.
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.
Residuals Management
Residuals management is the 5th and final "R" of the 5R pollution prevention hierarchy. This involves safe and effective management of materials that were not diverted through the first four Rs, or materials that cannot be removed such as controlled waste and asbestos waste. In our region this means landfilling at Hartland. Learn more about how landfills work.
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