A three-year feasibility study on the introduction of curbside recycling in Prince George has been canned, following legislation changes introduced by the province in May.
The study, completed in June, examined four options for curbside recycling in the city: curbside recycling only, curbside yard and garden waste collection only, curbside recycling plus yard and garden waste, and curbside recycling plus organic material collection.
Below is a break down of the four options and what they would have cost to implement.
Curbside recycling
What collected: Mixed paper, cardboard, plastic and metal containers and possibly glass.
Capital cost: $1.8 million to $2.7 million
Material diverted from landfill: 6,240 tonnes per year
Net operating cost increase: $1.79 million per year
Avg. cost per household: $82 per year
Yard and garden waste
What collected: Lawn clippings, leaves, weeds, flowers, small branches and garden waste.
Capital cost: $2.7 million
Material diverted from landfill: 4,380 tonnes per year
Net operating cost increase: $862,000 per year
Avg. cost per household: $40 per year
Curbside recycling plus yard and garden waste
What collected: Curbside recycling materials plus yard and garden waste.
Capital cost: $3.5 million to $5.4 million
Material diverted from landfill: 10,580 tonnes per year
Net operating cost increase: $2.65 million
Avg. cost per household: $121 per year
Curbside recycling plus organics
What collected: Curbside recycling, yard and garden waste, plus food waste, soiled paper towels, paper cups and plates, coffee grounds and paper food wrappers.
Capital cost: $7.5 million to $8.4 million
Material diverted from landfill: 13,370 tonnes per year
Net operating cost increase: $3.83 million
Avg. cost per household: $175 per year
