Solid Waste Master Plan: Shaping the Future of Waste Management in New West
Project Update, December 9, 2024: The engagement phase for the Solid Waste Master Plan has concluded. Thank you to everyone who shared their input and participated in the engagement activities. City staff are now working to analyze and incorporate your feedback and preferences into the Plan. In the meantime, check out some pictures from our pop-ups and the results of our Quick Poll below. Stay tuned for more updates and a full report on what we heard through this engagement!
 |  |  |
The Solid Waste Utility is a service managed by the City of New Westminster that oversees the collection, and disposal of waste materials from homes, businesses, and other organizations. This includes the collection of garbage, recycling, and organics (food and yard waste) within New West.
The City is working towards the goals of providing efficient and cost effective waste services, while helping residents and businesses reduce waste and avoid contaminating our different waste streams (when items end up in the wrong waste bin).
The City is developing a Solid Waste Master Plan to help reach these goals. The Plan will outline recommendations that:
 | Promote a circular economy by reducing waste and keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible. |
 | Reduce contamination by minimizing the amount of incorrect items that end up in recycling or organics bins. |
 | Improve operations by making waste collection more efficient and effective. This includes reviewing collection routes and truck sizes, adapting collection schedules to community needs, and organizing special pickups. |
 | Strengthen enforcement of solid waste regulations and bylaws to ensure proper waste management practices are followed throughout the city. This might involve fines for repeated contamination in recycling or organics bins, as well as monitoring for illegal dumping. |
What is the Solid Waste Master Plan?
A Solid Waste Master Plan is a detailed strategy that explains how a City manages its waste, recycling, and organics over the long term. It looks at the current system, identifies challenges, and sets goals for reducing contamination, increasing recycling, and making the system more efficient. The plan addresses how waste is collected, processed, and disposed of. It also explores ways to promote sustainability, reduce contamination, and support a circular economy.
For New Westminster, the Solid Waste Master Plan will guide the future of waste management by providing clear recommendations to improve services, make operations more efficient, and encourage responsible waste practices. It will also help the City adapt to future growth, legislative changes, and environmental priorities. Community input will play a key role in shaping this plan to reflect local needs and goals.
How Can I Engage?
We want to hear from you! The City is looking for feedback from residents and business owners about what’s working with our current waste system and where we can improve. We’re also eager to know what programs you’d like to see more of and how you think we can best educate the community on circular economy practices and reducing contamination.
You can share your thoughts by filling out a survey, sharing your ideas on ideas tool, or joining one of our pop-up events and learn about the Solid Waste Master Plan. Your input will help shape a cleaner, greener New Westminster! Ideas board and survey are open until December 8, 2024.
Pop-ups:
Saturday, November 23: Join us at the Engineering Operations Yard for a special recycling pop-up drop-off event! Bring your books, flexible and soft plastics, Styrofoam, small appliances, and small scrap metals to be recycled properly. While you are there, share your thoughts on New West’s current waste management, and win a prize! Help us shape the future of waste management in New Westminster. More information here.
2. Operate a Garbage Truck at City Hall - Shine Bright: Holiday Celebration Kick-off
Join us at City Hall as part of the Shine Bright festivities! Get an up-close experience with a real garbage truck, and stop by our engagement booth to share your input to help shape the Solid Waste Master Plan. Don’t miss this free, exciting event for the whole family!
- City Hall (511 Royal Avenue)
- Sunday, December 1
- 6:00 – 8:30 pm
3. New! Century House Pop-up
Connect with project staff and share your input on priorities for the Solid Waste Master Plan. This is drop-in style, so stay for as little or as long as you want. Open to everyone - not just older adults!
- Century House (620 8th Street)
- Monday, December 2
- 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (informal drop-in format)
Ideas Board:
Add your ideas for what kind of educational opportunities and waste management enforcement the City can offer to help you and your neighbours manage your waste! Click here to share your ideas and read what others are suggesting. The ideas board closes on December 8, end of day. 
Online survey:
Share your experience with New West’s current waste management services and suggestions for future City waste management. Click here to take the survey. The survey will be open through December 8, end of day.
Complete the survey by December 8 and you’ll have a chance to win! Be Heard members who participate can enter a draw for one of two $50 gift cards to a local business of their choice. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute and win—take the survey today!
