County developing strategy for food waste reduction

GUELPH – A strategy update on Wellington County’s solid waste services from manger Das Soligo  was provided to county council on Jan. 31.

The report notes the county is proceeding with interim closure of the Riverstown landfill’s Phase I, while Phase II is expected to provide waste disposal capacity for the county until 2043.

The county is also responsible for the long-term stewardship of 16 closed landfill sites.

“While closed landfill sites are typically secured with perimeter fencing and are otherwise a dormant site, owners of these sites can apply to the MECP to request alternate uses,” the report explains.

“The county intends to continue efforts to naturalize these properties, with particular attention to establishing pollinator habitat to support local pollinator populations.”

Food waste reduction

The report also highlights the development of a food waste management strategy with the purpose of reducing food waste in Wellington County.

The report states reduction measures will include:

initiating a food waste reduction campaign;

enhancing the master composter program; and

seeking out partnerships with other organizations and community groups.

The strategy sets out a target of capturing 85 per cent of all residential recyclable materials in the county’s recycling system.