In a recent government meeting, officials discussed several initiatives aimed at enhancing waste management and community engagement in Vancouver and surrounding areas.

One of the key topics was the expansion of food scrap drop-off locations, with nine sites distributed throughout the county to promote geographic diversity. This initiative allows residents to dispose of household food scraps at no cost, encouraging sustainable waste practices.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the success of the \"Secure Your Load\" campaign, which aimed to educate the community on proper waste transportation. The campaign included data collection before and after its launch in June, with four giveaway events attracting 521 participants who pledged to secure their loads. Notably, 38 of these pledges were made in Spanish, facilitated by an interpreter to ensure inclusivity. The campaign was a collaborative effort involving Waste Connections, the Department of Ecology, and the City of Vancouver, utilizing various advertising methods, including roadside billboards and Spotify ads.

Steve Worley, the Public Works Director for the City of Vancouver, provided updates on the Americorps litter stewards program. During the term of volunteer Kristen Nabir, 96 community members were trained, contributing 251 hours of service and participating in 14 organized cleanup events. Collectively, these volunteers removed an estimated four tons of litter from public spaces since the program's inception in 2021.

Worley also reported on the city's annual spring coupon program, which ran from April to June. The program, designed to assist residents with yard debris disposal, resulted in the collection of 5,500 cubic yards of yard waste and 1,228 tires, marking an increase from the previous year. Plans are underway for a redesigned fall coupon season, which will be communicated through various local channels.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement in waste management initiatives.