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10 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 3, 2006 Region needs help to reach waste diversion targets By Melanie Hennessey SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Halton Region is looking into new technologies that could help extend the life of Halton's landfill. At its meeting Wednesday, regional council directed staff to explore alternative waste processing systems that are able to divert organic waste from the Waste Management Site on Regional Road 25. The resolution ties into a report that went before council on the GreenCart waste diversion initiative -- which is currently at the pilot project stage -- that sees kitchen scraps collected separately at the curb. The report says preliminary results from the pilot indicate implementing a region-wide voluntary GreenCart program alone won't likely achieve the goal of 60 per cent waste diversion from the landfill by 2010 -- something that's necessary to extend the landfill's life. "An incentive or additional curbside waste diversion programs will encourage residents to take the extra time to separate their organic waste," the report reads. It goes on to point out that alternatively, there are new waste processing systems that can separate kitchen scraps from garbage, meaning residents wouldn't have to do it themselves and use a GreenCart. "In theory these systems could potentially achieve the 60 per cent diversion target without changing the current collection system," the report said. In addition to giving staff direction, council also approved the use of compostable plastic bags in all of the GreenCart pilot areas throughout Halton to evaluate impacts on participation and waste diversion. But before doing so, councillors heard from Milton resident Gary Ellis. While Ellis said he fully supports evaluating alternative waste processing technologies, he's not convinced the GreenCart is the answer. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-4 "It will be very expensive and is unlikely to meet the diversion target," he said. "The demonstration program should be ended now." The Region is finalizing a solid waste management strategy that has a goal of increasing the current waste diversion rate in Halton from 41.6 per cent to about 60 per cent. Achieving that higher rate will also increase annual diversion program operating costs from the current $21.7 million to $28.5 million. The proposed strategy is expected to add eight years onto the landfill's life. $469,500 WALK THE TRAILS Drop in to see this fabulous family home in Westoak Trails. Lge. Kit. o/looking fam. rm. Sep. formal living/din. rms. Lge. bedrms & Master w/ensuite. Hardwood thru-out, m/f laund. Amazing pie lot, extensively landscaped & wonderful kidfriendly street, close to schools, trails & shopping. ELIZABETH View 2034 LAURELCREST PLACE or call ELIZABETH ST. CYR ST. CYR, Sales Rep., 905-639-6111/1-888-639-0333 Sales Representative PRUDENTIAL BY THE LAKE REALTY, BROKERAGE · 905-639-6111/1-888-639-0333 C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C · C A R P E T · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C Drop In for Great Buys at Oakville Quality at Warehouse Prices! CARPET AND AREA RUG Clearance CARPET SPECIALS Limited Stock WALL TO WALL Heavy Berber 50oz Nylon Twist $ Oakville's FinestTobacco Shop FEATURING: · Dunhill · Colibri · S.T. Dupont · Porsche · Zippo · Humidors · Victorinox · Lampe Berger · Harrogate House · Brigham Pipes · Peterson · Stanwell · Don Carlos · Ser Jacopo · Meershaum · Heys Luggage · Lottery · 100 Bulk & Tinned Tobacco 1.99 sq.ft. $ 2.99 sq.ft. Compare $3.99 SF Compare $5.49 SF SEXY KILLER Includes Installation and Under Pad CLEARING! or visit Area's largest selection of area rugs, handmade Persian Rugs and Designer rugs Flooringca Trafalgar Village (905) 849-4472 Across from the new Home Depot Huge Super Store DOWNTOWN HAMILTON 228 King St. E. West of Ferguson (905) 546-1921 Open Sundays 12-4 C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T H0531011