Open letter to Whitehorse council candidates:
Thank you for putting your name forward for city council. The Recycling Processors of Whitehorse wish you all luck in what is sure to be a tough race.
We know about tough.
For years, we have been handling the vast majority of Whitehorse’s recycling at a financial loss - even after the city’s diversion credits. As a result, we have stagnated at 11 per cent diversion for years.
But there is hope.
Both the city and Yukon governments have agreed to a goal of Zero Waste by 2040 and 50 per cent waste diversion by 2015.
We have a lot of work to do to get there, and you, as the new council member (hopefully), will be asked to draw upon your natural leadership qualities to help get us there.
First, you might want to start by dusting off the Solid Waste Action Plan from 1995 (our most current plan).
In it, there is a goal of 50 per cent waste diversion by 2000. Obviously, we didn’t get there.
This latest goal of 50 per cent diversion by 2015 needs to be different. In partnership with the recycling industry and the Yukon government, the city has an opportunity to see real improvements in our recycling system.
We know that approximately 75 to 80 per cent of our waste can be recycled or composted. As processors, we have proven our ability to bring jobs and money into this community while saving valuable resources.
“Waste is only waste if it is wasted.”
Thank you for your leadership and vision.
Joy Snyder, Raven Recycling Society
Pat McInroy, P&M Recycling
Whitehorse