Ancient Hornby Island Recycling History
In the late seventies as our population began to expand, the limits of a small island forced us to realize that there was no such place as ‘away’ when it came to garbage. This realization was a major impetus to the community to become one of the earliest pioneers in today’s recycling movement.
One of those pioneers was Kathi Linnman. She explains that in 1978 she was hired by the Hornby Island Ratepayers Association to set up and run a Recycling Depot.
” The motivation for the island to try recycling was economic and I applied for the job for economical reasons too. I didn’t want to see all that useful ‘stuff’ shipped off the island and become inaccessible. Where would we go to find a tail light for our vehicle or a damper for the stove, or a curtain rod , or ? There was little space at the Co-op for hardware, trips to town were infrequent and if your neighbour didn’t have what you needed, there was always ‘the dump’, a great resource for all kinds of things. Here was a chance to organize other people’s garbage into something useful to someone else and to keep our stuff out of someone else’s landfill…”
Within a few weeks the old landfill site boasted glass and metal collection areas plus a shed for the ever-popular Free Store. A burner was added which has since been retired in favor of cleaner air, and paper recycling. We have grown into a thriving enterprise, gone through many adjustments and changes, including the addition of a composter to handle the large volume of organics we receive in the summer from our campgrounds and restaurants which cater to a thriving tourist industry.
Hornby Islanders should be proud of their achievements. Since opening the Recycling Depot in 1978, Hornby Island has played a leadership role in implementing reduction, reuse, and recycling services and community education programs in its community. Hornby Island residents now generate less than half a kilogram of garbage per person per day, much lower than the provincial average.
The Hornby Island Recycling Centre has generously shared its experience with communities and non-profits throughout BC and as far away as Ireland and Australia. The Centre’s success points to the strength of volunteerism and community spirit that define not-for-profit organizations.
Today at least, the rest of the Province seems to be catching up with us, in declaring that it is no longer acceptable for Canada to produce more garbage per capita than any other country except the USA Communities that today are trying to set up systems such as ours have an uphill battle to wean people away from the ease of curbside pick-ups and throw away mentality. We can be grateful to those Islanders twenty-five years ago, who decided to do it the ‘ Hornby Way‘. Thanks to all of them, and to all the people in the community who have been part of the struggle. Mother Earth is watching us, and we hope she approves.
Recycling History 1977-78
From the minutes of HIRRA meetings:
May 11, 1977
“A letter from lands branch disallowing the area in Sec. 2 for a garbage dump was received. They stated an alternative in Sec 11 was under consideration and would advise at later date.
A discussion as to remove the garbage or start a new site was voiced. A report that the work party made an excellent improvement at the old site and if it could be maintained properly was still the best area.”
May 10, 1978
21 members present
“Dave Gerow reported on the garbage dump. It has been decided to ask Ray Ecstrom to push it in more often this year. Gabriel said the fire Dept would see that it got burned over each time. Steve Lones offered to go on the dump Committee with Dave Gerow. Discussion on an area near the dump for dead cars.”
July 12, 1978
18 members present
“Dave Gerow reported on the work done by the Garbage Recycling Committee. He gave a resume of plan set up by a former Committee and carried on by present Committee of Dave Gerow, Jim Thornsbury, John Chitty and Steve Lones. He outlined the 2 phases of the plan—
Short term: Beginning with a work party on July 30. Volunteers to construct sorting area, bins, and a temporary shelter, install a furnace type incinerator that is being donated.
They have plans for an education program, to get the cooperation of all the users of the dump in sorting their garbage and thus allow an orderly and successful recycling program. A recycling Coordinator is to be hired.
The longer term phase included capital investments, more permanent buildings and larger incinerator, shredders, etc.
Moved by Doris that we accept in principle the work done by Garbage Recycling Committee and proceed as outlined. Also that the executive approach the Pollution Control Board and Regional Board for funding. Seconded by Carol Martin. Carried unanimously.”
(Same year Big Tribune Park established!)
August 9, 1978
18 members present
“Kathi Linman has been hired as garbage dump custodian. Directions for use of the dump in future were passed out. Dick Martin reported that the pollution Control branch would match money raised locally through taxation, after the operation has been put into practice and running successfully.”
September 13, 1978
5 members present (plus 5 non-members)
John Chitty reported on the Dump Committee. Kathi asked for a meeting with the committee on Friday at noon. At this time another work party will be set up to complete the work needed for the sorted garbage.
Kathi reported that people are sorting their garbage quite well. The committee reported that they have spent $1,300on the enterprise plus Kathi’s salary.”
January 10, 1979
“Kathi Linman, Recycling Coordinator, gave a report on the project. They have sent out one truck load to the recycling depot in Vancouver, from which they received enough money to pay expenses of hauling. Another load will soon be ready.
There [are] enough funds to carry on the project until May only.
Mr. Mac Salterman of Regional Board was present at the meeting and spoke on the projected budget for the Hornby Island Recycling project. He asked if we were willing to have an increase of 2 Mills on our taxes, as indicated to be necessary for the projected budget. John Chitty, Chairman of the Recycling Committee, explained how the funds are being used and how they plan to make it work, with no increase in the mill rate.”
April 11, 1979
“Recycling committee report presented by John Chitty described funding and assessment of operations. 1979 operating budget is $6,870. 1978 expenses totaled $5,416. Income from 1979 taxes $6,522 and Pollution Control Grant ($3,100) leaves a net present deficit of $2,664. Part 2 of grant is applying for additional $4,200. In addition Hornby can be relieved of $3,872 Pidgeon Lake assessment if Recycling succeeds.
Assessment shows main problem to be lack of public information and cooperation. Various possible solutions to specific problems were described.”
(Kathi Linman retired as coordinator.)
The Executives described a proposal made to them by the Regional District administrator that the Ratepayers enter into a contract for the delivery of Recycling and Fire protection services. Recommended by Bob Phillips that this be postponed for further study. Tabling motion carried.”
Thanks to Bob Cain for letting us use some pictures from his archive. Bob Cain has been documenting thet Hornby Island Recycling Depot since its incarnation. Here are many more pictures of our little recycling depot.