Medicine Hat urges residents to reduce waste now for later mitigation

“We’re trying to bring in proper waste management techniques. We’re adding food waste pilots right now,” Briggs said.

“We’re trying to get waste diversion way up [and] have more people recycling and composting.”

Landfill supervisor Cory Manz said there’s effective ways to mitigate the amount of waste.

Manz said some major challenges are finding non-biodegradable materials like plastic bags and batteries, in with food waste.

“We really need to use the services that are already in place properly. We have curbside recycling at your house. Some people have curbside organics with the green bin,” Manz said.

“We have the HHW [Household Hazardous Waste] area where you can dispose of a lot of hazardous materials like tires and batteries, things of that nature.”

While the Medicine Hat Landfill currently has a lifespan expectancy of 2039, managers have requested nearly $10 million from the city to maintain and extend its life.

Briggs said that Hatters need to be greener and act now to mitigate long term issues.

Otherwise, the issues could be compounded, become costly and be taken out of city hands.

“We have to be strategic about it. We have fill plans that we follow,” Briggs said.

“We could put in $10 million for a cell that gives the landfill another 15 years or we could not be able to manage the waste past 2039.”

Surveys asking about the current pilot programs will be made available on the city website next month, something Briggs hopes has important feedback.

The current pilot program has been a success according to officials, but with questions surrounding cost and feasibility, it remains unknown if the project will continue.

by Adrian St.Onge

Medicine Hat urges residents to reduce waste now for later mitigation

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