Region to discuss GreenCart, EFW facility

The merits of the GreenCart program and generating power from Halton's garbage are among the upcoming hot topics at the Region. A report on the GreenCart's yearlong pilot project and results from a "statistically accurate" public opinion poll is slated for the March 21 planning and public works meeting. Also, feedback from the public about this demonstration project is expected to be gleaned at public information forums held in each municipality throughout April. About 45 per cent of the average garbage bag contains food scraps and other organic material that could be turned into compost. In October 2005, GreenCarts were delivered to 5,000 households in Halton to collect organic waste. During its first six months, 172,660 kg, equal to 32,000 garbage bags, were diverted out of the landfill and composted. Council will consider the future direction of the program May 23. By request of the planning and public works committee Chair John Taylor, the meeting will be held in the evening to allow greater public participation. A report laying out the operation, potential partnerships, transportation, health and environmental concerns about a possible energy from waste (EFW) facility, is also on the May agenda. EFW is an electrical power generation plant that uses thermal processing to convert the heat energy in solid waste material into power. According to a page on the Region's website dedicated to energy from waste, the site "will be a clean, green, state-of-the art facility using worldclass technology." There's currently an additional 150,000 tonnes of industrial, commercial and institutional produced annually in Halton that's disposed in Michigan. With borders closing to such waste by 2010 and the possibility that Halton may take waste from other parts of Ontario, the life of the landfill will be reduced, which is why the Region is exploring an EFW proposal now. EFW facilities are already operating in nearby Durham and Peel regions.