Drop your opinion into the correct receptacle, please.
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) has an online survey available to collect the area's thoughts.
It's called Trash Talking, but they tie off the bag in a matter of hours, so officials are urging the public to hit the "send" button as soon as possible.
"So far, we've had about 400 responses from residents throughout the region," said Regional District spokesperson Renee McCloskey.
There are only a few days left to participate in the Trash Talking online survey about garbage, recycling and composting. The survey closes today - Thursday - at 5 p.m.
This is a step the regional district is taking to add new directions to their regular review of the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan. It is the policy that governs garbage, recycling, composting, landfills, etc. for Prince George and all the surrounding communities (Mackenzie, McBride, Valemount, Hixon, etc.) It is a plan that looks out to the next 20 years, but it has to be flexible and anticipatory.
"As part of the monitoring and evaluation component of the plan, there is an obligation to review and update the plan every five years to ensure that it reflects current needs," McCloskey said.
The current plan includes programs, policies and infrastructure to meet the objectives of:
Minimizing the amount of waste sent to landfill and maximize landfill life;
Increasing recycling opportunities, particularly for plastics and organics;
Incorporating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) into Plan;
Addressing the final closure and monitoring of the small landfills; and
Addressing the management of construction and demolition waste.
"It's a good time to review our solid waste management system and assess options that will ensure this Regional District remains environmentally and economically sustainable," said Rachael Ryder, Waste Diversion Program leader for RDFFG.
"It is important we have a plan that reflects the needs of our region, so we want to ensure the public has plenty of opportunity to give us their thoughts and ideas on this important issue."
Response from surveys and stakeholders will be formulated into a draft report.
The public will have another opportunity to review that draft before it is finalized. The review process is anticipated to occur over the next three to six months, with more opportunity for input from the community along the way.
To talk trash and inform the politicians about your recycling and garbage ideas, visit www.rdffg.bc.ca and click the link on the home page connecting you to the survey.
