In British Columbia, regional districts are required to develop Solid Waste Management Plans under the Environmental Management Act. Solid Waste Management Plans provide a long-term vision for how solid waste is managed within each regional district, including waste reuse, reduction, recycling, recovery, and residual management activities. Solid Waste Management Plans are updated every ten years, with an interim review every five years, to ensure that they meet the needs of the community. For more information on municipal solid waste management plans, please see the Province of British Columbia’s website.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District's Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan was developed in 2007, and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District initiated an update to its solid waste management plan in 2013.
The 2016 Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan (SWRMP) was completed in early 2016 and adopted by the SLRD Board of Directors on March 16, 2016. The Ministry of Environment approved the final version of the SWRMP in April of 2019. The SLRD continues to be committed to achieving the ultimate goal of zero waste.
In 2021, the SLRD, in collaboration with the District of Squamish, initiated the SWRMP Focus Amendment for the Squamish Landfill lateral expansion. In 2022, the SLRD and the District of Squamish pursued an engagement across the region. In March 2023, the SLRD received a letter of satisfaction from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for the consultation process. The Squamish landfill expansion process is ongoing.
2023 Solid Waste & Resource Management Plan
Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee
Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan Update
The current Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan (SWRMP) was adopted by the SLRD Board of Directors in March 2016 and approved by the Ministry of Environment in April 2019.
The Ministry of Environment recommends plans be reviewed every 5 years and requires updates every 10 years. After completing the 5-year review in 2023, the SLRD will begin updating the SWRMP in 2025 and aims to submit the updated plan to the Ministry of Environment and Parks in 2028/29.
A detailed project page will be launched soon, featuring timelines, engagement opportunities, and ongoing updates as the plan development progresses. This page will serve as the main hub for public participation throughout the SWRMP update process.
Stay tuned for its release in the coming months.