TAMRMS#: B06
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Single Use Plastics (Revised Motion)
Presented by: Kate Polkovsky, Director, Utilities & Environment Department
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That the July 8, 2019 agenda report entitled Single Use Plastics (revised motion), be received as information.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
To provide an update to Council on Administration's progress toward a single use item reduction strategy in St. Albert, in light of recently announced measures in this area at the Federal level.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Priority #6: Environmental Stewardship: Explore innovative environmental and conservation opportunities.
Seek innovative practices to protect waterways and green spaces to reduce our environmental footprint, to ensure the vitality of our natural resources for future generations.
This is also an identified priority within the Corporate Business Plan: Plan: 6.1 - Enhance waste minimization strategies with emphasis on reduce and reuse activities
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On May 27, 2019, Council passed the following motions:
(AR19-200)
1. That the May 27, 2019 Agenda Report titled “Single Use Items Workplan” be received as information.
2. That the project funding of $96,000 be provided from the Stabilization Reserve to complete Phase One.
3. That Administration report the findings of Phase One of the Single Use Item Reduction Strategy back to Council by Q2 2021.
Previously on January 14, 2019 GPFC had passed the following motion:
(AR-18-594)
That Administration prepare a proposed work plan that would identify the next steps in establishing a single use items (as defined by the EAC) reduction strategy including research, education and outreach with public participation incorporated and that the work plan including applicable cost impacts be reported to Council by the end of Q2 2019.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On June 10, 2019 the Federal Government announced that
“…the Government of Canada will:
• Ban harmful single-use plastics as early as 2021 (such as plastic bags, straws, cutlery, plates, and stir sticks) where supported by scientific evidence and warranted, and take steps to reduce pollution from plastic products and packaging
• Work with provinces and territories to introduce standards and targets for companies that manufacture plastic products or sell items with plastic packaging, so they become responsible for their plastic waste.”
The Government of Canada has not released specific information on their program, and the uniqueness and diversity attributed to each community across Canada is paramount in the successful delivery of a program that impacts and changes a resident and business owner’s daily lives. Additionally, it would be recommended that the tools and the necessary resources are provided to our stakeholders to support any changes. As such, Administration is supportive of the single use item reduction strategy work plan presented on May 27, 2019, which would have work commencing towards the end of Q4, 2019.
The overall functioning and optimization of the waste management program requires the completion of a waste audit on a more frequent basis. As programs change, and stakeholders adapt, the program necessitates data to inform of any necessary support, education programs, and any necessitated changes to support the community. Generally, when changes are incorporated into the framework, the contemplated change management is just as critical as the end state. As such, the required funding is still anticipated to be required to support a single use item reduction strategy to be successfully implemented within the City of St. Albert framework. The timelines can provide flexibility. Timelines are dependent on whether it is desired to provide leadership and have an articulate voice in the national waste minimization programs or whether the City wants to accept a program as a one fit solution.
Administration intends to maintain the work plan articulated in the May 27, 2019 report. This provides the opportunity for Administration to acquire information, collected and examine data and be poised to provide comments about a federally presented single use item reduction strategy program. It is likely the City would consider a broader implementation and by moving forward in the program it would provide access to some key change management materials to support a motivational change throughout the City rather than an implemented compliance change.
The waste audit is required to provide representative samples during multiple seasons as such it is required to begin relatively soon to inform staff in the waste program. Administration additionally recommends continuing with the provided workplan, delineated on May 27, 2019. As the Federal Government had suggested that further details would be released in the fall of 2019, the single use item reduction strategy work plan was not anticipated to begin until the end of Q4 2019. As such, the Federal announcement would provide further information to incorporate into the City’s engagement strategy.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Additional stakeholder engagement that would be added to the May 27 work plan, could be Administrative partners at the federal level. This would facilitate a strong Alberta voice with the necessary consultation, data, and supported expertise to speak to a presented program.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
None at this time (anticipated outreached wasn’t anticipated to begin until the end of Q4 2019).
Legal / Risk:
None at this time
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to maintain its support for reduction of single use plastic containers, the following alternative motions could be considered:
Alternative 1. That the work to complete the consultation associated the single use item reduction strategy be postponed and planned, in conjunction with federal efforts.
Risk: The federal government does not define single item in the same frame as the City of St. Albert residents and stakeholders, or the City wishes to take a more holistic examination of single use item, and the federal program only examines a small sector.
Opportunity: If the federal government consults each community then consultation could be minimized. If the federal government invests in educational items they can be utilized by the City (generally with a fee to purchase).
Alternative 2. That $46,000 be re-allocated to stabilization reserve and the City no longer lead a single use item reduction strategy.
Risk: The federal government changes direction and priorities and the program doesn’t gain traction. That the federal government doesn’t consult with each communities needs, resources required and opportunities for success and implements a compliance versus a motivational tactic to the program. This would extend the timelines to provide the City with a comprehensive program.
Opportunity: The re-allocation of funding.
Report Date: July 8, 2019
Author: Kate Polkovsky
Department: Utilities & Environment Department
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble