Terrace is performing better than Prince Rupert when it comes to keeping compostable materials out of the Thornhill landfill.
The Kitimat-Stikine Regional District says 38 percent of trash collected still contains items that shouldn’t be sent to the dump.
This raises two major concerns: limited space at the landfill and potential fines if compostable material exceeds a certain percentage.
Improper disposal could eventually force the construction of a new landfill.
A recent analysis of household garbage at the Thornhill facility found 10 percent is dropped off directly, 41 percent is regular garbage, 11 percent is recyclable material, and 38 percent is compostable waste that shouldn’t be there.
Residents are urged to separate garbage, recyclables, and compostables properly and use the correct curbside bins.
City crews will leave warnings on bins with improperly sorted waste. Repeat offenders could face fines.
If you’re unsure about what belongs in the landfill, contact the regional district for guidance.
