Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. In 2017, the District invested $6.5 million, into a vertical expansion at the southern end of the Landfill. The vertical expansion included building a 10m wall, which allowed the Landfill to grow taller instead of expanding into more land. This increased the lifespan of the Landfill from 2018 until 2028/2029.

• This amendment will remain focused on expanding the District of Squamish’s capacity for waste disposal, to ensure that users have a place to dispose of their waste by the time the current landfill is full.
• A full update to the SWRMP will be initiated in 2024 and will be submitted to the Province by 2026. The full update to the SWRMP will include (but isn’t limited to):
  • Assess the current solid waste management system, and what is, or is not, working well;   
  • Update the regional vision, goals, and targets, and associated actions, programs and infrastructure for the solid waste management of the entire region;
  • Update financial and administrative implications;
  • Engage with the region on the topic.
• The full update of the SWRMP (see above) will most likely start before the landfill expansion construction begins, therefore the District and residents will have the opportunity to make a broader suite of changes to the SWRMP at that point in time.
• If you are interested in being a part of the full update, please contact utilities@slrd.bc.ca or call (604)894-6371 ext. 236.

As the community pursues its journey towards zero waste and circular economy, the District views the expansion as an opportunity to increase diversion of different materials, beyond what is currently offered.

At the Southern end of the Squamish Landfill site is a transfer station and free recyclable depot. This area is accessible by the public, and provides recycling opportunities for many different materials, including, wood, yard waste, mattresses, glass, metal, small appliances, electronics, drywall, books, textiles, organics, cardboard, Styrofoam, invasive species, paper and hard and soft plastics.

The landfill expansion will include an upgrade to the transfer station to provide increased opportunities for waste diversion from the landfill as we continue to works towards our zero waste goals.

We want to hear from you! Email your questions and comments to zerowaste@squamish.ca and they will be captured in our 2022 Zero Waste Action Plan update. 

In June-August 2022, the District will be launching a survey to engage the public on waste reduction and diversion opportunities and needs, if you are interested in being notified when that launches, please email zerowaste@squamish.ca and you will be added to the email list.

A waste-to energy (WTE) facility is off the table for the time being, as a solution to waste disposal for Squamish. Some of the reasons why are:

Timing: 

We are currently extremely tight on time due to limited lifespan of the current Landfill, and the following would all make the process longer:

• WTE is not supported in the SWRMP, so to include it now would require a longer and more in-depth consultation period.
• Squamish Council passed a motion in the December 15, 2015 Regular Business Meeting that Staff ‘recommend changes to the draft SWRMP that eliminate the option for waste incineration (also known as waste to energy) of mixed municipal solid waste’. To rescind this motion would take time and resources. 
• The timeframe required to implement this would be ~6 years, with additional time for land acquisition.

Expense:

• Our 2019 analysis of WTE indicates it is not financially feasible at the current disposal rates, even at a regional level.

The lateral expansion is projected to cost $49,900,000 over the entire life of the project. This includes costs for design, permitting, capital and future closures. These costs will not all be required up front, but phased over the life of the project as the Landfill gradually expands in phases, over 25+ years.

Residents' general property taxes will not be impacted by the lateral expansion.  The costs associated with the landfill expansion be covered by users of the Landfill (through the tipping fees) as well as those who pay the solid waste utility, as the garbage collected through the curbside collection program is disposed of at the Landfill. 

Any current increases in the solid waste utility rates and tipping fees reflect the costs of operating and financing the current landfill, not the lateral expansion. 

Environmental protection is a key priority at the Squamish Landfill. Recent improvements include the installation of a landfill gas collection system and flare, improved leachate collection and increased waste diversion.  

Squamish landfill was just recognized and awarded the Most Improved Landfill in BC for 2022. With the lateral expansion the Landfill will continue to see improvements that will benefit the environment, including; enhanced leachate treatment, expansion of the landfill gas collection network, improved waste diversion and recycling programs.

To mitigate impacts on wildlife, the District will work with environmental staff, groups and the relevant provincial agencies to ensure proper procedures are followed and mitigation measures are taken. Consultation with an external Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) and internal environmental group will occur throughout all phases of design and construction.

If the current Landfill reaches capacity before the expansion is ready to accept waste, the District will move forward in exporting waste out of the region. This would be a temporary solution until the expansion is complete.