Back

Regional Waste Management Area Participation

Res #: 35-02A
Number: 35
Year: 2002
Midterm: No
Expired: Yes
Responses Received: No
Departments: Saskatchewan Environment

Resolution No. 35-1 (Emergent)

WHEREAS, we are aware that SERM's five Regional Environment Managers are pressing for legislation to require all municipalities to participate in Regional Waste Management Areas; and 

WHEREAS, we believe that legislation of this nature will reduce our autonomy and infringe on our ability to manage waste disposal operations in ways that are unique to our individual situations;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that SARM go on record as opposing any legislation that will mandate municipalities to participate in Regional Waste Management areas.

Response From the Hon. Pat Lorje:

Municipalities have the primary responsibility for owning, operating, financing, developing, and delivering solid waste management collection and disposal services for their residents.

The fundamental decisions around how municipalities deliver their waste management services are those of the municipalities. Saskatchewan Environment does not have any plans to amend its legislation to require that municipalities join regional waste management systems.

Saskatchewan Environment has studied the costs and benefits of regional waste management. This work demonstrated the regional waste management can be a cost effective alternative to individual municipalities delivering waste management services on their own. The magnitude of the benefit depends on a number of factors, including the population density of the area to be served, the state of the available infrastructure in the area, etc. Municipalities are encourages to consider the benefits offered by regional systems in their solid waste decision making.

Saskatchewan Environment contends that proper waste management, in accordance with provincial regulations and guidelines, is required whether municipalities operate their own systems or are part of regional waste management networks.

NULL