Yellowknife (June 11/03) - The dump could soon be closed to the public.

Although she wouldn't say exactly when, Katherine Silcock, environmental co-ordinator for public works and engineering, said the city is considering closing the land fill to scavengers.

"We're one of the only places that allow it any more. A lot of people think that it is their right to be there and salvage things, but it's our (the city's) land," Silcock said.

Concerns over a lawsuit or someone getting injured by a truck in the landfill has always been a worry for the city, Silcock said.

"We don't want to wait for an injury."

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said the idea of a lawsuit or an injury occurring at the dump is "terrifying."

"The possibility of land fill closure is just yet another challenge we face as a growing city," said Van Tighem.

Victor Boland, who was found searching for reusable material at the dump, said he doesn't think the risks of injuries or lawsuits are good reasons to keep people from scavenging.

"Why can't they just put up a sign that says 'Enter at your own risk?'" wondered Boland.

Silcock said the city is still not sure how the landfill will work, but there might be a place where certain objects - such as wood and old furniture - could be placed for scavengers to safely access.

"We are still looking at a lot of different options," said Van Tighem.

As for the user-pay garbage system, Silcock said she is hoping to start it sometime this year.

The goal of the user-pay system is to encourage people to reduce the amount of waste they produce each week by recycling instead. There is only seven to 10 years of landfill life left, she indicated.

"The current fee you're paying on your utility bill doesn't even cover the cost of us picking up two bags a week," said Silcock.

Proposed plans have the system starting out with a large allowance, such as four bags a week, and charging an additional fee per garbage bag.

A family would have to purchase a tag for the extra bag.

Eventually the number of no-charge garbage bags allowed will decrease to the city's final goal of two bags per household.

Silcock said the cost of the extra bag tags has yet to be decided, but said it will probably be just a few dollars.

How the user-pay system is going to work for apartment buildings and shared housing is still being decided.

Silcock said before any user-pay program is implemented there will be many public education sessions and newsletters.

Improvements will also be made to the current recycling facilities.