NDP APPLAUDS PROMISED CHANGES TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Yukon government has supported a New Democrat motion that will see an end to burning at community landfills in the near future and result in other sweeping changes in how the territory manages solid waste.
"These improvements are things citizens and communities have been telling this government for years they want to see," says Steve Cardiff, the party’s critic for Community Services.
"Among other things, they will result in a comprehensive and consistent strategy for waste disposal that means all communities will be treated equally by the government when it comes to receiving funding for operating recycling and diversion programs."
The move will also see the strengthening of air emission regulations to ensure standards and monitoring are complied with; the creation of a territory-wide recycling council to co-ordinate recycling efforts and programs; funding for the transportation of non-refundable recyclables from the communities to Whitehorse for processing; an increase in the refundable deposit for beverage containers; and an expansion in the types of recyclable products for refunds.
"I am very pleased the minister of Community Services has finally realized that burning of solid waste at our municipal landfills cannot continue in this day and age," adds Cardiff.
"Not only is the practice bad for the environment, it poses a serious health risk to people living downwind from these facilities. The changes we asked for will also be good for the economy, as they will ensure our solid waste management facilities are properly supervised and staffed."
Cardiff also asked the government for a legal opinion on whether the burning of solid waste at municipal landfills contravenes its own air emissions regulations.
"I’ve put the government on notice that I will be watching closely over the coming year to ensure it honors the commitments it made in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. Yukoners have waited a long time for a territory-wide strategy to manage solid waste, and if the government keeps its word, at long last they will get one."