The Government of Yukon advances territory-wide Regional Waste Service model in rural Yukon

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make rural communities more economically and environmentally sustainable, the Government of Yukon is investing in regional solid-waste facilities across the territory. Such investments ensure all Yukon residents can access full-service, solid-waste disposal facilities in their regions.

Following extensive community consultation and recommendations from the Ministerial Committee on Solid Waste, municipal leaders, the Association of Yukon Communities and Government of Yukon experts, a new service level is being implemented in Braeburn, Johnson’s Crossing and Silver City. Transfer stations in these communities will close on October 1, 2024. Residents in these communities are encouraged to use regional waste facilities in Deep Creek, Carmacks, Marsh Lake, Teslin, Destruction Bay/Burwash and Haines Junction.

Services for residents in Braeburn, Johnson’s Crossing and Silver City will be supplemented by annual dumpster days to allow for cleanups and large items, and residents will be provided with bear-resistant bins for residential garbage, as well as support in establishing recycling depots for residents interested in enabling further waste diversion.

Over the last several years, the Government of Yukon has entered into regional landfill agreements with the municipalities of Carmacks, Dawson City, Haines Junction, Mayo, Teslin and Watson Lake and has invested in site upgrades, including power, gates, compactors, attendants and recycling, in these communities. The regional landfill sites in these municipalities will serve peripheral residents and accept waste hauled from the nearest unincorporated transfer site where one is in place.

The Government of Yukon is also enhancing the 12 unincorporated regional solid waste facilities they operate that serve area populations greater than 200 full-time or seasonal residents. Operation and maintenance contracts for these facilities ensure operating standards are consistent with municipally operated solid-waste facilities.

Once fully implemented, each facility will comprise a full suite of waste-management services, including the disposal of household waste and construction and demolition material, as well as recycling of end-of-life vehicles, waste metals, tires, electronic waste and consumer containers and packaging. Many sites will also accept hazardous and special waste, like waste oil and automotive products, with plans for phasing in organics separation and composting.