Waste management in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyse the waste stream of a small community subjected to tourist pressure in order to establish a viable waste minimization program. The goal of the Park is to reduce the waste by 50% by the year 2000. To accomplish this, the Municipal Solid Waste stream was analyzed to determine composition and generation rate. The final part of the thesis deals with transportation of waste within the Park and out of the Park. Transportation is a major cost factor in any waste management program and must be examined with care. The results indicate that organic waste and paper products are the largest element in the waste-stream. Recommendations for reducing waste include cardboard-paper recycling and composting organic material.