Rod Cormier said he is opposed to the new Sort-It Western program being implemented later this month by Western Regional Waste Management and fears for his septic system.
He said cleaning tin cans with food stuff left in them before putting them out for recycling would destroy septic systems and because of that he will not be participating in this program.
However, Josh Carey, chair of the Western Regional Waste Management, said Mandatory two-stream recycling programs are in effect in most rural areas throughout Canada, so having a septic system should not affect anyone’s ability to comply with the Sort-It Western program.
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He said residents should be careful with the amount of food waste going down the drain as having a significant amount of food waste introduced into a septic system is problematic.
That’s why he advises residents to thoroughly empty out containers into their regular waste. The rinsing/washing is only a final step before placing the container in their blue bag.
Cormier said he was told by a representative of Western Regional Waste Management that this program is mandatory, which is also stated in the material sent out, but said he don’t believe that it can be enforced by law.
“They can’t take me to court or put me in jail for not abiding, the most they can do is refuse to take my garbage and let them try that,” he said.
Cormier intends to continue putting out his garbage without sorting any of the empty food containing tins and said he encourages others with septic systems to do the same.
Carey said although Western Regional Waste Management is expecting compliance at the launch of the program, the committee understands that this is new for many people.
He said the committee is dedicated to working closely with communities in Western Newfoundland to ensure they participate in the program, which will reduce issues around non-compliance.
Cormier, a senior, expressed concern for other seniors, especially those with mobility issues, in trying to comply with this program. He said the sorting and cleaning of recyclables would be very difficult for them.
Kippens Mayor Debbie Brake Patten, said she is well aware of the Sort-It Western program and feels it is time to take care of our waste.
She said as a result of the program there are a lot of things now that won’t be going to the landfill and it’s just a matter of putting the regular garbage and recyclables to the curb and it will be dealt with.
Brake Patten said Containerized Sanitation is already collecting garbage in Kippens and was just recently awarded a contract to do the collection in four communities in Bay St. George, including their community.
“Change is difficult, but it’s better for the environment and we have to get used to it,” she said.
The Sort It program will come into effect on July 16 in the Corner Brook and Bay St. George area.
