the Town of Truro

 

Solid waste management is a growing concern for many North American communities. In response to this potential problem, Colchester County and its municipalities have worked together to establish the Colchester Balefill Facility. The Facility, opened in July 1995, successfully incorporates the latest technology and environmental management controls to create one of the cleanest facilities in Canada. As a result, five open pit dumps were closed, with all refuse now processed by the new Facility.

A combination of recycling, composting, and household refuse collection provides the most complete solid waste management program in the Province. In addition, the County will soon introduce a household hazardous waste management recovery component to the program.

The disposal site at the Balefill Facility has a designed capacity of 3.5 million cubic metres of garbage, or a 35 year lifespan. All garbage is compressed and baled prior to disposal. With additional diversion of materials from the waste stream through reduction, composting, and recycling, the lifespan of the facility will increase dramatically.

Supporting the waste reduction initiative is a comprehensive public education system that promotes safe and efficient waste disposal. By ensuring that the citizens are aware of the different parts of the system increases public involvement. In fact, the solid waste management program in Colchester County is considered a success after only one year of operation with some areas recording 80% to 85% participation rates!

By working together, Colchester County and all of its municipalities can show the rest of Nova Scotia how they can make a difference.

Download a copy of the 2009-2010 Waste Removal Schedule (169.98 kB), or pick one up at the Engineering & Public Works office, 695 Prince Street, Truro, NS.