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EE I TY Unproven technology too costly PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, July 25, 1989 -- 13 Durham suspends use of "bio bags' by Rob Streich Durham Regional Council has decided to give up the use and promotion of biodegrad- able garbage bags for sanitary landfill waste. The Waste Management Committee recommended that the Region suspend the use of biodegradable plastic bags for landfill wll slightly over a year after the program was put into place. The reasons for the deci- sion are financial, practical and strategic. Art Leitch, Director of Op- erations for the Region, ex- plained that the cost of the bio- degradable bags has steadily been between 200 and 400 per cent higher than regular gar- bage bags. In a three month study conducted by the Region, bags which the manufacturer claimed would break down in three months; in fact showed no signs of decaying. This new technologyis un- proven and uncertain. Additionally, "landfill sites are designed to reduce biodeg- radation ," explained Leitch. What is the point of putting biodegradables into a degrada- tion slowing dump site. The other big concern which was raised was the in- herent conflict of interest be- tween recycling and biodegrad- ables. Plastics recycling is becoming a growing area of waste reduction, as more indus- tries develop methods of reus- ing not only soft, clear plastics, but harder plastics and films as well. The plastics recycling in- dustry sees biodegradble plas- tics as a contaminant, and is afraid that increased use of bio- degradables could result in in- ferior recycled plastic products and eventually damage the whole effort. Council had originally agreed to use the more expen- sive, starch infused plastic bags on the recommendation of the local environmental group P.A.C.T.in March of 1988. Following the lobbying of PACT, Council passed a resolu- tion on March 23, 1989, which endorsed, "the use of biodegrad- able plastic garbage bags, re- questing area municipalities to encourage residents to use bio- degradable garbage bags and requesting the Province to in- troduce legislation requiring biodegradable packaging." Last week, that resolution was rescinded and area munici- palities were informed of the decision. Recycling This fall, a regional pilot project will be undertaken in Whitby to begin recycling more RASPBERRIES, U-PICK or WE PICK Phone for Picking Conditions or To Place Orders. OPEN DAILY 8 AM to 7:30 PM (except Wednesdays) STEVENSON'S (3 km. West of Hwy. 12 on 2nd Line) PEACOCK WINDOW FASHIONS COLOUR -- QUALITY -- FLAIR Full line of Custom Draperies & Shades VALANCES VERTICALS VENETIANS We Sell Them - We Make Them - We Hang Them FREE INSTALLATION for the MONTH of JULY 985-9869 PORT PERRY -- IN HOME SHOPPING -- 1-427-2345 Ajax Showroom JEEP EAGLE LTD. AJAX varied plastics. Mr. Leitch explained that the Region is going to under- take a six month data collection campaign, to iron out any prob- lems and determine the best way toimplement the systemin the rest of Durham. Mr. Leitch explained that, "the plan calls for the collection of multiple types of plastic in- cluding film such as grocery bags and milk sacks." Once it has been tried out in Whitby, the Region hopes to slowly phase it in throughout the member municipalities. While this is underway, a subcommittee from . Waste Management will be meeting with Durham Recycling to work out the details of the con- version of operations from the private sector to the public. The Region is taking strides towards achieving its goal of a 25 per cent reduction in the waste stream by 1992, 50 per cent by 2000 (the same aims as for the rest of the GTA waste program). Composting While the Region opposes the use of biodegradable plastic bags for landfill waste, they see a use for them in composting. Mr. Leitch explained that the Region is hoping to develop a more efficient program of leaf recovery and composting. This is something that Scugog Coun- cil has indicated their support of and their willingness to get involvedin. To that end, Durham is en- tering into a $1,500 agreement with Compost Management As- sociates. The company has been employed to manage half of the existing leaf compost pile for the next six months. Council hopes to monitor their progress by comparison with the regionally maintained half. Hopefully, regional staff will develop greater expertise in this area which will prepare them for the future increase in composting operations. CMA techniques include turning the leaves twice a week, and watering them regu- larly. They will maintain a high temperature at the site to assure pasteurization , and pre- vent weed seeds and pathogens from animal waste from becom- ing a problem. Mr. Leitch explained that the former Scugog Landfill is a possible candidate site for the establishment of a composting operationin the future. RUBBER STAMPS Fast Delivery PORT PERRY STAR 235 Queen Street 985-7383 "THIS WEEK ONLY" Start your day off with our HOMEMADE "BREAKEE" GET REFRESHED WITHA JUMBO, 20 ounce SOFT DRINK .roe.ony n 3 OD ¢ COUPON NOT NECESSARY - THIS WEEK ONLY BIGGER & BETTER DONUTS Come on in and try our new donuts at our Special Prices! 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