Solid Waste Action Plan (SWAP)
Information and Resources
Solid Waste Action Plan (SWAP)
The 2013 Solid Waste Action Plan (SWAP), adopted in August 2013, laid out a path for the City to achieve 50% waste diversion by 2015. The SWAP was based on a partnership model and focused on four key commodities: cardboard, clean wood, organic waste, and mixed recycling.
50% less waste by 2015:
Halving waste is having an impact!
The need to meet this threshold requires an updated SWAP to be created. This new SWAP will address the past recommendations set forth by the past document and propose new strategies to meet the diversion targets. Please keep an eye out for SWAP engagement in the coming years. Individual and business input is essential in the process of developing the SWAP! Your opinion matters.
SWAP update
The SWAP set ambitious targets, focusing on:
- Getting the big stuff out of the landfill first
- Growing the partnerships to grow the services
- Informing, educating and motivating for real change
SWAP
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| SWAP 1 pager | SWAP Summary, 8 pages | SWAP Details & Implementation, 48 pages |
Partners in Waste diversion
The SWAP relies on collaboration with private sector haulers and recycling processors to help shape programs and services. The newly revised City of Whitehorse Sustainability Plan and the upcoming Official Community plan (OCP) recognizes and supports the need for increased waste diversion.
Go from knowing the right thing to doing the right thing! The SWAP is your opportunity to reduce your impact on the Whitehorse you love while also reducing the future costs of living.
what you need to know
All Whitehorse residents, businesses, and organizations have a role to play — “be a good sort” and sort your waste!
Electronic waste (also known as e-waste), hazardous waste, large metal items, cardboard, organic waste, bulky items, tires and construction & demolition waste do not belong with regular waste and are not welcome in the landfill. These items, which are designated as controlled or banned under the Waste Management Bylaw, must be sorted and handled separately. They are subject to an unsorted tipping fee ($300/tonne) if not separated from regular waste.
Paper, plastics, glass, tin, and Styrofoam (typical “blue box” items) are not currently “controlled,” although it is desirable to keep these recyclable materials out of the landfill too. Visit our sections for residents, businesses or waste service providers for specific information on recycling.
Good news! Meeting our goals is completely within reach. If organics, cardboard, wood, recyclables, metals, household hazardous waste, and e-waste are removed from the waste stream, we would see about 70% less thrown away, and we would easily reach our goal. We all have a role to play with waste diversion, help Whitehorse set precedent for other northern municipalities!