City could implement “polluter pays principle”
By Kevin Woodhouse
www.thesuburban.com
Citizens of Beaconsfield are being invited by the city to take part in three open houses being offered towards the end of October to discuss ways of reducing household garbage waste.
In a message sent to homeowners, Mayor Georges Bourelle noted that the city is listed the second largest creator of domestic waste on the entire island of Montreal and the city wants to take steps to remedy that.
“Despite our efforts and existing services, in Beaconsfield we generate more than 7,000 metric tons of domestic waste per year,” explained Andrew Duffield, director of Public Works via press release. “More than 50 per cent of it could be diverted from landfills and the city is now looking at addressing the problem at the source and is proposing a strategy focused on reduction.”
Some of the city’s strategies could include “the possibility of implementing the polluter pays principle. Beaconsfield’s vision is clear: we want to manage all waste streams responsibly and efficiently by offering adapted and flexible services to our residents”, noted Bourelle.
For the last year, several residents have taken part in a pilot project designed to reduce household waste and results from the study will be released. Other facets of waste reduction will include backyard composting techniques and event recycling cuttings from the lawn.
Participants at either of the three open house events will be offered ten free paper bags for leaf collection free of charge while supplies last.
The three Open Houses take place on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Beaconsfield United Church, 202 Woodside Road, Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Herb Linder Annex and the following Tuesday at Beacon Hill School. The events run from 6:30-9 p.m.
