In an attempt to reduce waste and optimize space at the Solid Waste Facility, the City of Yellowknife will reintroduce a salvaging site.
“We had to find a way to better compact waste and recyclables,” says Chris Vaughn, manager of sustainability and solid waste.
Chris Vaughn, manager of sustainability and solid waste takes media on a tour of the SWF. (Mariah/CKLB)
Located within the Public Drop-Off (PDO) area is the new salvaging site – where residents can reduce, reuse and recycle, says Vaughn.
The city says staff will be on-hand to assist the public and ensure expectations are clear.
Diversion is a key focus for city management to help organize certain materials into the appropriate areas, as well as having the public away from heavy-duty equipment and machinery, they refer to this as diversion strategy.
“I want to change the culture and encourage residents to better handle their waste,” says Vaughn.
“How we manage waste is complex and requires strategy,” he adds.
An area of the salvaging site. (Mariah/CKLB)
The salvaging site will operate within the same hours as the PDO from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
The city says it is still working on providing the infrastructure on other recyclables such as cardboard, wood and food waste.
“The landfill is dynamic, not static,” Vaughn says.
Vaughn reminds the community that there is a mutual level of trust shared between the waste, the worker and the resident.
“You can’t stop sorting your trash”, Vaughn says.
The city has now transitioned from using a single bailer to compacting waste at an active landfill.
The Solid Waste Facility operates with about eight working bodies.
The City’s Public Works department is working with the territorial and federal governments to assist in the new wastewater testing program in the upcoming weeks.
The plan by 2030 is to have the diversion rate at 50 per cent – currently, it stands at 13 per cent.
