Yellowknife (Aug 01/03) - City council is taking a position on salvaging at the dump.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem said although creating alternative ways to salvage at the dump is within the city's solid waste management plan, it doesn't mean people will become restricted from salvaging.

Avid recycler John Carter sorts out the beer cans he's collected from the dump. - Merle Robillard/NNSL photo

Van Tighem did say the current salvaging methods will be changed, but the city wants public input to generate alternatives.

"Creative suggestions, instead of just saying 'don't stop it,' would be helpful," said Van Tighem.

Alternatives such as people salvaging during times when heavy equipment is not operating at the dump, or for people to sign waivers before salvaging, are all ideas that can be mentioned to Katherine Silcock, the city's environmental co-ordinator said Van Tighem.

"I would love to have recommendations coming in to Katherine from local people who are actual users," Van Tighem said.

Council supports salvaging

Recommendations for salvaging alternatives have only come from places outside of Yellowknife, the mayor said.

During a priorities, policies and budget committee meeting on Monday, councillors made it clear that they are in support of salvaging.

"No, we're not looking at stopping salvaging at anytime in the near future," said Coun. Wendy Bisaro.

Councillors said they agreed salvaging at the dump is a great form of recycling.

"I think to stop salvaging out there doesn't make any sense at all," said Coun. Alan Woytuik.

Max Hall, city administrator, said council will be notified if any significant changes to current practices at the land fill are going to be changed.