Early in 1987, we realized that to manage our solid waste and to achieve diversion goals, we would have to approach waste management cooperatively. Studies commissioned in 1990 by the New Brunswick Department of the Environment showed that great savings could be made if Municipalities/LSD’s planned and developed waste management on a regional basis.

The strategy supported this approach, and thus required that 12 Solid Waste Regions be established in the province. Each of the regions would submit Solid Waste Management plans to the Minister of the Environment describing the elements each region would use to manage its solid waste.

The Restigouche Solid Waste Corporation (RSWC) is an active group of 11 Municipal and LSD representatives representing the interest of 26,757 residents within the Restigouche region (Robinsonville to Nash Creek). The Corporation and its agents are accountable to a Board of Directors made up of local elected officials.

Currently, the Chairman is Denis McIntyre, representative for the Village of Charlo. Serving as Vice-Chairman is Jean Perron, a representative for the Local Service Districts (LSD’s), and serving as Secretary-Treasurer is Claude Arseneault, representative for the Village de Balmoral. Their term will expire in September 2009 when RSWC will hold its election. In addition, the Corporation has eight other active Members representing the City of Campbellton (1), the Town of Dalhousie (1), the Villages of Atholville (1), and Eel River Crossing (1), and the unincorporated areas or Local Service Districts (4). However, there is currently 1 vacant position for the Local Service Districts (1 – November 2008) since Ernest Goudreau resigned because he was leaving the region.

RSWC works to ensure that the region’s waste is handled properly. Municipal solid waste (msw) includes garbage and refuse generated at homes, offices and industries, leaf and yard wastes, and construction and demolition wastes.

The Corporation was created in 1992 in accordance with the Clean Environment Act (Regulation 96-11), which set regions waste reduction goals and authorized regions to form Commissions / Corporations that would work to achieve these goals. Operating funds ($10.16 / tonne) are generated from the Transfer Station tipping fees (a $5.16 / tonne royalty and a recycling fee of $5.00 / tonne), and grants. Most of the grant money would come from the Provincial Department of the Environment. RSWC addresses issues that affect solid waste management within the Restigouche region (Re: education, recycling, waste collection, illegal dumping, illegal reclamation sites, etc.). Board meetings are held monthly (see the 2009 schedule of meetings) and current topics of concern are discussed. RSWC encourages participation in its activities, etc.