Proposed Waste Bylaw changes aim to improve waste diversion in Leduc
The City of Leduc is considering an updated waste bylaw that would require all multi-unit dwellings in the city to have organic and recycling services by Jan. 1, 2026. The proposed changes passed first reading at City Council on Feb. 5 and will align with the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility regulation.
To prepare for these changes, the City developed a Multi-unit Sector Waste Diversion Program in 2023 to support property owners who may be required to expand waste collection services in their buildings.
Public engagement was conducted last year with property owners and waste haulers to consider their perspective on the current state of waste diversion and anticipated challenges. Their feedback, which was generally positive and highlighted the need for transition support, was integrated into the new program.
“The proposed bylaw changes support our commitment to environmental preservation,” says Shawn Olson, Director of Engineering and Environment in the City of Leduc. “With more of the community working together to sort organics and recycling out of their household waste, we will send less waste to the landfill overall and preserve it’s lifespan.”
If the amended Waste Bylaw is approved, property managers would have an opportunity to:
- Seek guidance from City staff to prepare their property for the changes
- Receive educational material from the City to share with building residents
- Have a two-year period to renegotiate waste hauling contracts
The proposed bylaw changes also recommend new fine amounts to support compliance:
- Multi-unit buildings that do not meet the Jan. 1, 2026, timeline ($250); and,
- Households that improperly dispose of waste, such as containments in green carts ($100).
In June 2023, the City began to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to scan for contaminants in green organics carts and educate specific households about proper waste sorting before their next collection date. The program has successfully sent over 900 postcards to households between June 2023 and January 2024. We are seeing organic cart contamination rates have dropped from roughly 20 per cent to below 10 per cent. The City has extended the program to the end of 2024 and continues to focus on education with potential enforcement for repeating offences.
The second and third reading of the Waste Bylaw is scheduled to take place on March 4, 2024.
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