Sustainable Landfill Initiative

Download 2008 Sustainable Landfill Initiative Report (PDF, 1.4 MB)

Download 2009 Sustainable Landfill Initiative Report (PDF, 2.8 MB)

In summer of 2007, CKS undertook the first of a two year study to examine the content and operations of the Quigley Landfill site. The study is part of a Sustainable Landfill Initiative that aims to improve our waste diversion efforts and extend the lifespan of our landfill.

The study is providing us with baseline data on what is currently going into the landfill and what people's concerns are around the landfill. We are using the results of the study to give us direction on where we need to focus our efforts.

Remember that CKS launched a campaign last fall in an attempt to reduce the number of plastic bags going into the landfill?  Those turquoise bags are a common site in town and a casual survey of the main grocery stores cite a 50% reduction in the use of plastic bags - which is great!

What was made apparent in the landfill study however is that the highest percentage of recyclables in the landfill is plastics at 36%!  It seems we have failed to inform you that all soft and hard plastics are recyclable! Clean plastic bags, plastic wrap, bread and vegetable bags etc are all recyclable. Most hard plastics are recyclable too — plastic fruit containers, yogurt, margarine, soap containers, and clear plastic wrap.

Non-biodegradable plastics are a real problem at the landfill. They inhibit the natural decaying process of domestic waste causing greenhouse gases which we know contribute to climate change. If we successfully divert plastics from the landfill we will help extend its life for many years.

Other highlights of the report cite tourism as the "largest contributor by sector of commercial waste." Anecdotally, one truckload of commercial (hotel) waste was found to have a significantly higher quantity of refundable items (11% as opposed to 3-6% found in other audits). One particularly dedicated RV campground attendant regularly separated refundables from their guests' waste. She estimated a 50% reduction in actual waste and earned $2,700 over the course of the summer in refunds!”  All businesses who cater to tourists should take note:  there is money to be made separating refundables from other trash. Did you know you can rent wheelie bins from Conservation Klondike?

It is not only tourists who are throwing out their refundable deposits.... the survey concluded that at least $30,000 of refundable items are land-filled every year at Quigley! If the smaller amounts are not worth your personal time to collect, we encourage you to still separate your refundables and donate them to the Conservation Society. CKS puts that money to good use with its various waste diversion efforts.

If you visited the landfill this summer you may have been asked to participate in a survey for us. The two top concerns expressed by respondents were groundwater contamination and increasing taxes for a future landfill site.  Everyone has a part to play in addressing these concerns.

The report concluded that 72% of waste going into the landfill is recyclable. That gives us a lot of room for improvement. Remember that our household hazardous waste collection is in the spring and the fall.  Safely store your hazardous materials until then and we will properly dispose of them, avoiding an increase in potential for groundwater contamination.

There is still much to be done to address the true costs of waste management in the Klondike region. The study will continue this summer. Thank you in advance for your participation in the surveys, and thanks as always for your responsible disposal of household, commercial and hazardous waste at our landfill.