2018 Annual Report

City of Chilliwack 19 Annual and Ongoing Environmental Programs Environmental Services undertook numerous projects over the course of the year to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Many of the projects were carried out through collaborations with environmental groups and other community volunteers. 2018 Events y Semi-annual Adopt a River Cleanups – 7.5 tonnes of refuse collected by the Chilliwack Vedder River Cleanup Society and other volunteers y Community Cleanups – 20 tonnes of refuse collected by Adopt a Road participants, Fraser Valley Illegal Dumping Alliance members and other volunteers y Green Commuter Challenge y Household Hazardous Waste Day – 20 tonnes of waste collected y Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Composting y School Presentations – 380 students participated y Semi-annual Scrap Metal Recycling Events – 120 tonnes collected y Semi-annual City-Wide Garage Sales – 320 residences participated y Semi-annual Shred-a-Thon and Food Drives - $14,400 cash donations plus $5,500 worth of food items collected for the Salvation Army Food Bank by residents dropping off documents for shredding Biodiversity City staff worked with school groups, non-profit environmental organizations, and other community volunteers on a variety of projects to improve habitat values and biodiversity in the community, including: y Riparian planting projects; y Invasive plant removals; and y Bat and bird box installations. Environmental Services worked with an environmental contractor to treat 110 Japanese Knotweed patches on City property 70% Diversion rate through recycling and composting 47% Decrease in garbage due to increased diversion