September 18, 2003 York Region moves forward on adopting new technologies for solid waste management

NEWMARKET – York Regional Council today adopted a report outlining a list of 51 companies offering new and emerging technologies for solid waste management diversion. The companies responded to a Request for Expressions of Interest (ROEI), issued by the City of Toronto and the Regions of York, Peel and Durham over the summer.

“I’m pleased with the progress of our technology search,” said Regional Chair and CEO Bill Fisch. “With limited options on sending our trash to landfill, it is imperative that new technologies for diversion are adopted now. We look forward to piloting these technologies as soon as possible to establish the best option for waste diversion in York Region.”

With the threat of possible border closures preventing shipments of trash to Michigan, and a lack of available landfill in Ontario, many communities are looking at new technologies to reduce their reliance on landfill. To fast track this search, York Region teamed up with the City of Toronto and other Greater Toronto Area municipalities to source and test new technologies.

York Regional Council has authorized staff to create a short-list of the 51 technology bidders, with the intent to send a Request for Proposal (RFP) to one or more companies to pilot test their diversion technology.

Additionally, the Region and the City of Toronto will be jointly sending an RFP to process 220,000 tonnes of source separated organics to assist in the diversion process.

Once fully implemented, it is anticipated that these leading-edge technologies will divert 50 per cent of waste from landfills.

In the short-term, the Region and other GTA municipalities have hired a communications consultant in Michigan to ensure that our waste management message is effectively stated, and have agreed to work together towards a long term yard waste solution.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, the services we offer and links to our nine area municipalities, please visit our Web site at: www.region.york.on.ca

Contact: Michael Kemp, Corporate Communications, York Region

- (905) 830-4444 or 1-877-464-9675, ext. 1232

- Email: michael.kemp@region.york.on.ca