Shopland’s report states contamination levels reached a level “that exceed industry standards” since the collection program was implemented in 2015.
“When we contaminate the recycling, it jeopardizes the whole program. We are offering it to people because it’s a program that is very much needed. Citizens need to understand that if you jeopardize the program in that way, we can’t afford it anymore,” says Mayor Lori Ackerman during Monday’s meeting.
Ackerman says finding a location for a new landfill would cost the city a pretty penny.
“When we got a new operator at the North Peace Landfill, the way they were managing things and the programs we put in place to divert from the landfill saved the life of that landfill, significantly. It gives us time for a breather. Screw it up and it’s gone,” says Ackerman.