By LeRae Haynes –
Landfill diversion and public education are two highlights on the job for Central Cariboo Disposal’s new area manager Dan Harrison.
“I wasn’t a really big trash guy when I came here; I see it now—keeping stuff out of the landfill is my biggest priority,” he said. “If we can push recycling and diversion of any description, it’s a good thing.”
He said it’s been a great learning curve in the past year. “Every day is different. If I need to drive a truck, I drive a truck. I help a guy in the shop if needed, and if I’m needed in the office I answer calls and help with billing,” he explained.
Harrison manages a crew of 15 people and does administrative tasks. “I direct the work flow—what we have to do every day and what guys need to go where. I co-ordinate products that come in, including what needs to be baled, and look after three transfer stations that include Frost Creek and 150 Mile House.”
He said share sheds are a wonderful example of landfill diversion. “And they’re free,” he added.
“There’s also the wood waste site with things like dimensional lumber, pallets, dressers—repurposed wood free for projects. When it’s something people can repurpose and it doesn’t go into the landfill, that’s a double bonus.”
Printed, paper, and packages are the three Ps that go into recycling. There are handy bins for everything at the transfer stations, including shredded paper, glass, metal, cardboard, and batteries.
“If you’re not sure if something’s recyclable, call me; send me a picture. I’m glad to help,” he said.
“I love doing school tours and showing the kids the baler and what we’re all about,” Dan said, adding that Mary Forbes, Waste Wise Community Educator for the Cariboo Regional District, brings groups of kids for tours. “I like watching their eyes light up. They really get into it and take it home to their parents.”
He said when in it comes to plastic bags in the landfill, he sees a light at the end of the tunnel. “I come from Alberta and spent a lot of time working in the oil fields; you cannot get a plastic bag in Fort McMurray.
“I don’t care if you spend $3,000 at Walmart, there are no plastic bags. I learned that the hard way. The first time I stopped there on my way to a rig, I bought my six months of groceries and I got no bags. You got a shopping cart: figure it out.”
He said charging for bags doesn’t change your attitude.
“There are biodegradable bags, but they take way too long to decompose. I’ll never see those bags break down in my lifetime. What’s best for kitchen waste is no bag at all. Get a compost bucket from Mary Forbes at the Potato House and take it there,” he added.
“Plastic bags? Ban them. It works in other communities.”
For more information about Central Cariboo Disposal and the services they provide, phone (250) 392-5893, visit www.ccdsl.ca, or follow Central Cariboo Disposal on Facebook.
