THE CORPORATION OF THE
CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM

MEMORANDUM

Bryan Kirk DATE: January 2, 1990
City Administrator

Environmental Protection Committee

Non Biodegradable Packaging Materials
(EPC Meeting December 19, 1989)

Recommendations:

1. That the City inform the elected officials of the Federal and Provincial
governments representing this area of our concern about the adverse
environmental impact of disposal of non biodegradable and nonrecyclable
packaging materials.

That an article encouraging residents of the City to avoid purchasing
products which are packaged in non biodegradable or non recyclable
materials be included in the next issue of the City Newsletter.

Background and Comments:

mR latter was received from Dr. Arnott of the Simon Fraser Health Unit
requesting that the City enact a Bylaw similar to one adopted in the City of
St. Paul, Minnesota making it unlawful to possess or sell products which are,
or have been packaged in non biodegradable materials.

The City Clerk has advised that, in his opinion, the City does not have the
authority under the Municipal Act to regulate packaging. The Committee feels,
nevertheless, that an effort should be made to discourage use of such
environmentally unfriendly packaging. To this end it is recommended that Mark
Rose, Ian Waddell, and Joy Langan be informed of the City's concerns with the
adverse environmental impact of disposal of such packaging materials, and that
residents be encouraged to avoid purchasing products which are packaged in
such materials. This could be done by inciuding an article in the next City

Newsletter.
Lo
[i eS

D.G. Riecken, P. Eng.
Deputy City Engineer