The District of Vanderhoof is at a crossroads when it comes to waste management.
A report to council on Monday showed that Vanderhoof’s sole garbage truck is in need of replacement. Staff laid out several options for council, including one similar to what is used in Prince George where the District supplies garbage cans to residents at a fee depending on their size.
The uniform containers would allow a new truck with a hydraulic arm to handle them while the driver stays in the vehicle.
The report showed that taking garbage collection private would actually end up costing the District significantly more.
Mayor Gerry Thiessen says they are now looking at their options for a new truck and are considering overhauling up the collection schedule to save money for a recycling program.
“We need to make a decision as far as a bi weekly pick up, maybe on the opposite week we do a recyclable pickup. We want to look at all that and hopefully have a report come back to council here in the next month or so.”
On the recycling front, Thiessen says the District is looking at how they can make recycling easier for residents.
“There is a real desire to have a one stop recycling spot in the community. Right now when you do your recycling like I did last week, you have to stop at three or four places and that’s just not feasible.”
Thiessen says they are in talks with the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako on both the recycling depot and garbage pickup. He added that the District will turn to public consultations once they have a decision to make.