Final Report
on
Survey of Garbage Disposal/Burning
in First Nation Communities in
Ontario
For:
Chiefs of Ontario
and
Environment Canada-Ontario Region
Prepared by:
Sue Chiblow
January 2004
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The efforts of the following are greatly appreciated:
All participants completing the survey
Ontario First Nations Technical Service Corporation for their assistance in delivering
the survey to participants of the Earth Keeper’s Program.
And Environment Canada for providing the Chief’s of Ontario and First Nation’s an
opportunity to participate in the survey.
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Table of Contents
1.0
Introduction
4
2.0
Methodology
5
3.0
Results and Discussion
6 to 19
4.0
Conclusions and Recommendations
20 & 21
Appendices
1
Survey of Garbage Disposal/Burning in First Nation Communities in Ontario
2
List of Figures and Tables
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INTRODUCTION
“If you can smell the smoke, you are breathing harmful substances”
The “uncontrolled burning of domestic-type trash, particularly in barrels and landfills, is
a major source of chlorinated dioxins and furans and other toxic pollutants to the
environment. Open burning takes place at low temperatures and lacks the pollution
control devices required on municipal incinerators. Dioxins and furans have been linked
to numerous adverse health effects such as; cancer, weakened immune system,
reproductive disorders, allergies and asthma, skin diseases, etc.
Environment Canada – Ontario Region completed a survey in Ontario of rural and small
city residents in March 2001 and found that 24% of residents surveyed burned garbage on
their property in open pits, wood stoves, burn barrels and fireplaces. Environment
Canada’s February 2001 Inventory of Releases of Dioxin identified burn barrels as the
third largest source of these contaminants. The survey did not include First Nations nor
did it address burning at landfill/dump sites.
The purpose of the survey for First Nation is to determine the extent of open burning on
First Nation territories. The survey would also quantify the knowledge of health effects of
open burning, landfill sites and problems associated with those and recycling and
composting. The survey will provide the Chiefs of Ontario and Environment Canada an
overall view of some issues related to landfill sites located on First Nations.
The survey was faxed to 134 First Nations in Ontario. Ontario First Nations Technical
Services Corporation was contacted to assist in delivering the survey to participants of
the Earth Keepers Program.
There were 48 surveys returned to the Chiefs of Ontario office. Many of the respondents
estimated the amount of people and homes in their communities. Open burning occurs in
First Nation communities and there is a lack of recycling and composting. There are bylaws in some communities but there is no capacity for enforcement. Section 3.0 details
the results of the complete survey.
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METHODOLOGY
Taking your garbage to the dump is healthier for you, your family and Mother Earth.
A questionnaire was designed by Environment Canada and delivered to the Chiefs of
Ontario. The Environment Coordinator from the Chiefs of Ontario office reviewed the
questionnaire and made some minor adjustments to better suite the needs of First Nations.
An opening paragraph explaining the purpose of the survey was reviewed and revised.
Environment Canada and the Chiefs of Ontario explained that each survey would be kept
strictly confidential.
The Chiefs of Ontario delivered the survey to 134 First Nations in Ontario. Ontario First
Nation Technical Services Corporation was contacted for the contacts in their Earth
Keepers Program. Surveys were completed by First Nations and faxed back to the Chiefs
of Ontario office. Surveys completed by participants of the Earth Keepers Program were
mailed to the Chiefs of Ontario office. Some First Nations were chosen randomly and the
Environment Coordinator performed follow-up calls to the Chiefs requesting their
assistance in completing the surveys. This aided in more surveys being completed and
faxed to the Chiefs of Ontario office.
The Environment Coordinator reviewed the surveys and the surveys were entered into the
SumQuest Program for statistical analysis. The SumQuest Program generated response
frequency and graphs.
Only the results of the surveys are being distributed, thus protecting the confidentiality of
each survey.
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RESULTS and DISCUSSION
There were 48 surveys returned to the Chiefs of Ontario from the 134 faxed First Nations.
Some surveys were replicated by different respondents and were not used for the
statistical analysis. A few surveys were incomplete; therefore only sections of the survey
were used for statistical analysis.
Table 1. Descriptive Statistics for On-reserve Population
Mean
Median
Mode
Standard Deviation
Range
Minimum
Maximum
Sum
392.9
300
400
414.6
2200
0
2200
17681
The on-reserve population is analyzed by descriptive statistics in Table 1. The population
was estimated in many of the surveys therefore these figures should not be used as an
exact population estimate in the First Nations. There was a wide range of population
among the surveys. The standard deviation measures the spread of the data between the
maximum and the minimum. The standard deviation in table 1 is 414.6, which is a large
number thus indicating a large difference between the maximum and minimum.
Table 2. Descriptive Statistics for Households On-reserve
Mean
Median
Mode
Standard Deviation
Range
Minimum
Maximum
Sum
134.7
72.5
350
152.1
750
0
750
5927
The amount of households on reserve is analyzed by descriptive statistics in Table 2. The
amount of homes in the survey was also an estimate and should not be used as an exact
amount. Once again, there was a wide range of homes in the surveys. The standard
deviation is 152.1, which is a large number thus indicating a large difference between the
maximum and the minimum.
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2
Yes
16
No
29
No
response
Figure 1. Open Burning
Figure 1 displays the results to whether or not there is open burning in their community.
Several surveys had written yes and no in regards with the open burning in the
community with no explanation. There were 63% (29) surveyed that responded yes to
open burning in their communities. This question could have been reworded because
many wrote that only the garbage was burned at the dump and responded no to the
question. If the question was reworded or another added regarding burning at the dump,
the number 63% (29) would be larger. It is obvious from the surveys that more than 63%
surveyed burn garbage. Numerous surveys did not respond to the question regarding
whether open burning was a problem in the past so this question was not statistically
analyzed due to the low number.
25
20
15
10
5
0
0%
10%
50%
Figure 2. Percentage of Households
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90%
No
response
Not Sure
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The percentage of households that have burn barrels or open pits in their backyard is
displayed in figure 2. This figure was an estimate by numerous respondents, but 43 % did
say that 10% burn garbage. Some comments received to this question was that some only
burn cardboard boxes and paper.
25
20
15
10
5
on
s
N
o
N
re
sp
ot
su
re
e
r
ev
e
N
er
Al
m
os
t
Ne
v
si
on
al
O
cc
a
Ve
ry
Co
m
m
on
ly
0
Figure 3. Frequency of Burning
In figure 3, the frequency of burning garbage at community homes is detailed.
Occasionally (45%) and almost never (41%) were the most common response in the
surveys.
1
Yes
18
No
29
No
response
Figure 4. Knowledge of Health Effects
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Whether or not there is knowledge of the health effects of open burning of garbage is
graphed in figure 4. This question was directed at each respondent, who may not be
aware of the mechanisms in the community regarding the health effects on open burning.
Table 3. Type of Information about Open Burning
Frequency of Response
7
9
2
11
11
12
8
Type of Information
TV
Brochure
Radio
Newspapers
Other
No information received
Not sure
The type of information received regarding open burning is categorized in table 3. Many
surveys chose more than one type of information on open burning. The Earth Keepers
Program was the most popular answer written for other and many commented that they
were not sure if the community had information available for the homes in their
community.
Table 4. Mechanisms to Control Open Burning
Frequency of Response
5
2
12
1
27
Mechanism
By-law
BCR
Community Awareness Program
Other
No response
The type of mechanisms in the community to control open burning is listed in table 4.
Numerous comments for this question where that the community had a by-law or a BCR
but had no one to enforce it. Under no response, many stated that they were not sure if
there was a by-law or a BCR. Some surveys stated that the Earth Keepers Program had
assisted in creating a community awareness program for their community. Several of the
surveys chose more than one mechanism for their community.
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3
Yes
9
No
34
No response
Figure 5. Support for Banning Open Burning
The results from the survey for support for banning open burning of garbage in the
community is displayed in figure 5. Several respondents that chose no to supporting an
open ban on burning stated that they have no one to enforce it and it therefore would not
be effective.
7
Yes
No
39
Figure 6. Landfill Site/Garbage Dump
In figure 6, the results of the survey for the community having a landfill site/dump on
their First Nation is shown in figure 6.
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40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
off reserve
nearest
numicipality
on reserve
other
Figure 7. Garbage Disposal Location
The garbage disposal location is quantified in figure 7. A couple of respondents chose
other but did not write any comments.
3
Yes
14
No
28
Other
Figure 8. Garbage Pick-up
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The results on the community picking up the garbage are displayed in figure 8. This
question could be answered in two ways due to the wording. Many circled the section of
the question and provided their response and a few wrote a question mark beside other.
2
Yes
16
No
28
Other
Figure 9. Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping at the respondent’s landfill/dump is graphed in figure 9. Several
respondents chose no and wrote that they were not sure or aware of illegal dumping.
Table 5. Security Features at Landfill/dump
Frequency of Response
8
12
0
5
21
Type of Feature
Set hours of operation
Lockable gate
Person manning when open
Other
No response/Not sure
The type of security feature located in the community is listed in table 5. Numerous
surveys stated that they have a lockable gate but it is not locked due to lack of personnel
and funding. Some comments explained that there is a fence but people dispose of their
garbage outside of the fence thus creating a larger problem. Others stated that the wildlife
continuously breaks the gate and fence on the landfill/dump. If the respondents did not
have a landfill/dump in their community they chose no response/not sure.
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Table 6. Frequency of Fires
Frequency of Response
4
8
8
20
5
3
Frequency of Fires
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Almost never
No response
Not sure
In table 6, the frequency of fires at the landfill/dump in the last year is featured in table 6.
Numerous comments for this question where that burning the garbage at the
landfill/dump was not considered a problem. Other comments included that residents
would start the fire at the dump thinking they were helping by getting rid of the garbage.
8
Yes
20
No
18
No response
Figure 10. Actions Taken for Fire
The response to, are any actions taken if a fire starts at the landfill/dump is detailed in
figure 10. Comments included no manpower, no funding and burn garbage regularly at
the dump.
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5
Yes
No
16
25
No response
Figure 11. Location of Wastes
In figure 11, the question that relates to a specific location for various wastes at the
landfill/dump is displayed. Numerous respondents stated that there are specific locations
for wood and large items such as appliances.
Table 7. Exchange Depot for Materials
Frequency of Response
17
15
16
23
Type of Material
Furniture
Construction materials
Other
Not Sure
The consideration by the community to establish and operate an exchange depot for
various materials is listed in table 7. Several comments included no funding, no one to
separate and everyone delivers their own garbage. Many surveys had chosen both
furniture and construction materials and wrote “yes” beside other.
Table 8. Generated Garbage
Frequency of Response
1
0
0
0
1
0
43
1
Location Where Garbage is
From
Office
Community Centre
Public Works
Schools
Homes
Other
All of the Above
Not sure
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In table 8, the location where the garbage is generated from is categorized. Numerous
surveys chose all of the above and stated except schools.
Yes
22
24
No
Figure 12. Lease of Land to Cottages
The amount of communities that lease land to cottages is displayed in figure 12. Some
surveys had written not sure beside this question.
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Off reserve
Nearest
municipality
On reserve
Other
No tenants
Figure 13. Tenants Method of Disposal
The method of disposal for garbage by tenants on First Nations is listed in figure 13. The
most common response was on reserve.
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Yes
10
21
No
no tenants
16
Figure 14. Requirements for Leases
The lease requirement of how a tenant is to dispose of their garbage is displayed in figure
14. Many surveys stated they were not sure how the tenants disposed of their garbage.
6
Yes
21
No
20
no tenants
Figure 15. Awareness of Tenants Burning Garbage
The respondent’s awareness of, which tenants burn their garbage is displayed in figure
15. Again, many surveys stated they were not sure how the tenants disposed of their
garbage.
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4
Yes
No
41
Figure 16. Small Businesses Burning Garbage
In figure 16, small businesses in the community, which burn garbage is displayed.
Numerous surveys stated that the garbage is picked up from everyone in the community.
A few surveys revealed that the small businesses burn cardboard and paper regularly.
Yes
12
No
34
Figure 17. Recycling Program
The results on the community having a recycling program are graphed in figure 17. Many
surveys stated they are willing to start a recycling program with assistance and some said
they are presently working on getting a recycling program started but still responded
“no”.
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40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Paper
Aluminum
Steel
Glass
Plastics
Other
No
Program
Figure 18. Types of Materials Recycled
The types of materials recycled in the community are detailed in figure 18. It was very
common for those that do recycle to recycle paper, aluminum, glass and #1 and 2 plastics.
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Curb
Drop off centre
Other
No Program
Figure 19. Method of Collection for Recyclables
The method of collection for the recycling program is displayed in figure 19.The First
Nations that have a recycling program mostly used curb side pick up, otherwise the
community members were responsible for delivering their recyclable materials to the
drop off centre.
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5
Yes
No
41
Figure 20. Composting Program
The results from the question on the community having a composting program is
displayed in figure 20. The type of composting that is done in the communities that have
a composting program is 6 in backyards and 3 have a central composting facility. In the
survey, 44 responded yes to the option of having a composting program started in their
community.
If Environment Canada and the Chiefs of Ontario presented a workshop on the dangers of
burning, 91% of the respondents stated that their communities would be interested in
attending. The others stated that they could not speak for the entire community.
If Environment Canada and the Chiefs of Ontario provided a brochure explaining the
dangers of burning garbage, 100% responded there community would be willing to have
them delivered to each home with a some assistance. Some surveys stated that the
community has a newsletter for distribution of information. Also, there are other
newsletters and newspapers the community receives from various Native organizations.
Comments received for offering ideas for minimizing and eventually eliminating the
practice of garbage burning were as follows:
financial assistance
educational tools
more garbage pick-up needed
education for school age children
education for elders
enforcement
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CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Substances released into the air by burning garbage fall back to Mother Earth and
harm the plants, soil, water and animals.
Based on the analysis of data collected through the Survey of Garbage Disposal/Burning
in First Nation Communities in Ontario, the following conclusions and recommendations
are made:
1.
Composting and recycling programs are not established in many First Nation
communities. Reasons for the lack of these programs is due to education and
financial capacity. First Nation communities are willing to compost and recycle
with the assistance of education and financial capacity. The First Nation
communities recycling and composting accredit the Earth Keepers Program.
Recommendations for this area are to continue with the Earth Keepers Program
and provide educational and financial support to the First Nation communities for
composting and recycling programs.
2.
Open burning is a major problem in First Nation communities. The lack of
education and materials available to First Nation communities in regards with
health concerns relating to open burning is apparent from the survey results. Once
again the Earth Keepers Program is assisting First Nations in educating
communities of the ill effects of open burning but this appears to be not enough.
Not all First Nation communities are involved in the Earth Keepers Program for
various reasons. Numerous communities do not have the capacity to enforce bylaws or a BCR in their communities.
Recommendations for open burning are to continue with the Earth Keepers
Program. Also, provide First Nations the financial capacity and educational tools
to deal with open burning. Information could be distributed through First Nation
newspapers, community newsletters and flyers/brochures delivered to First Nation
homes.
3.
Illegal dumping and landfill/dump operations are a huge problem on First Nation
lands. Illegal dumping does not appear to be a serious offence by local residents
for dumping their waste in First Nation communities. Local residents that do
illegally dump on First Nations will deposit their waste on a road that appears to
be abandoned. The First Nation does not have the capacity to deal with illegal
dumping. Many First Nations do not have the capacity to lock the gates to their
landfill/dump because waste will be dumped outside of the gate creating another
problem. Also, First Nation communities do not have the capacity to deal with
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wildlife continually destroying the fences or gates surrounding their landfill/dump
sites.
Recommendations for illegal dumping and landfill/dump operations are to
provide the First Nations with financial capacity to deal with this issue.
4.
It is apparent that First Nations are willing to deal with open burning. The survey
produced an excellent response to participating in a workshop and also to having
a brochure delivered to their community regarding open burning.
Recommendations for creating an awareness of the hazards of open burning are
First Nation newspapers, community newsletters and flyers/brochures delivered to
First Nation homes. Also, an education program for school age children may
assist in preventing burning in the future.
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APPENDIX 1
Survey of Garbage Disposal / Burning
in First Nations Communities in Ontario
Ahneen, I am Sue Chiblow with the Chiefs of Ontario. We are working with Environment Canada to
conduct a survey across Ontario to find out how people dispose of their household garbage in First Nations
communities. A similar survey was done a few years ago in non-aboriginal communities. The main
purpose of the survey is to find out how common it is for First Nations to have fires in landfill/dump sites
or for individual households or businesses to burn garbage in barrels.
There are no right or wrong answers. Your answers are important to us and your responses will be kept
strictly confidential.
1. Contact Interviewed: Name _______________________
Position ______________________
Phone _______________________
2. What is the name of your First Nation and are there any other names it is known by?
3. What is your mailing address?
4. What is your on-reserve population?
5. Approximately how many households are there?
6. Is there open burning in your community?
(if yes, go to question 7)
YES
If no, was this a problem in the past?
NO
YES
NO
7. Do you know what percentage of households have burn barrels, or open fire pits in their
backyard?
 0%
 10%
 50%
 90%
8. Are you aware of how common it is for people to burn their at home?
Very common
Occasionally
Almost never
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9. Is there knowledge of the health effects of open burning of garbage in your community?
YES
NO
10. Have you received any information about open burning of garbage?
TV
Brochures
Radio
Newspapers
Other, please clarify:_________________________
11. Does your community have any of the following to prevent burning?
a by-law
a Band Council resolution
a community awareness program
Other, please clarify: __________________________________
12. Do you think your community would support banning open burning of garbage?
YES
NO
13. Does your community have a landfill site/garbage dump?
YES
NO
14. Where is your garbage disposed of?
 Trucked off the reserve
 The nearest municipality
On reserve
 Other, please clarify: __________________________________
15. Does your community pick up garbage for people or do they bring it to the landfill/dump
themselves?
YES
NO
16. Is illegal dumping at your landfill/dump a problem?
Further comments:
YES
NO
17. Are there any security features at your landfill/dump?
 Set hours of operation
 There is a lockable gate
 There a person manning the landfill/dump when it is open

Other, please clarify: ______________________________
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18. In the last year, have fires occurred at your landfill/dump site:
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Almost never
Further comments:
19. Are there any actions taken if a fire starts at your landfill/dump?
YES
NO
20. Is there a specific location for various wastes within the landfill/dump.
YES
NO
21. Would your community consider setting up and operating an exchange depot for various
materials such as
furniture,
construction material,
other, please clarify: _____________________________
22. Where is the garbage from:
Band offices,
community centres,
public works,
schools,
homes
23. Do you lease land to cottagers or others for activities such as camping, marinas, etc.?
YES
NO
24. How do these tenants dispose of their garbage?
 Trucked off the reserve
 The nearest municipality
On reserve
 Other, please clarify: __________________________________
25. Are there requirements in the leases on how the tenants are to dispose of their garbage?
YES
NO
26. Are you aware of tenants who burn their garbage?
YES
NO
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27. Do you have any small businesses in your community, which burn their waste materials?
YES
NO
28. Does your community have a recycling program?
29. What materials does the program collect?
Paper
Aluminium
Steel
Glass
Plastics: What types? 1
2
3
4
YES
5
NO
6
Other, please clarify: ___________________________
30. How are recyclables collected?
a curbside collection system
drop off at a central depot
31. Does your community have a composting program? YES
NO
32. Is it:
backyard composting
a central composting facility
33. Would the community be willing to explore the option of having one started?
YES
NO
34. If a brochure was available which explained the dangers of burning garbage, would your
community be willing to deliver copies to each home and business?
YES
NO
35. In the case that burning of garbage was a problem in your community – and the Chiefs of
Ontario and Environment Canada presented a workshop on the dangers of burning garbage,
do you think that the community would be interested in such a workshop?
YES
NO
36. If garbage burning is a problem in your community, could you offer other ideas for
minimizingand eventually eliminating the practice of garbage burning in your community?
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Meegwetch
APPENDIX 2
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Descriptive Statistics for On-reserve Population
Table 2. Descriptive Statistics for Households On-reserve
Table 3.Type of Information about Open Burning
Table 4. Mechanisms to Control Open Burning
Table 5. Security Features at Landfill/dump
Table 6. Frequency of Fires
Table 7. Exchange Depot for Materials
Table 8. Generated Garbage
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Open Burning
Figure 2. Percentage of Households
Figure 3. Frequency of Burning
Figure 4. Knowledge of Health Effects
Figure 5. Support for Banning Open Burning
Figure 6. Landfill Site/Garbage Dump
Figure 7. Garbage Disposal Location
Figure 8. Garbage Pick-up
Figure 9. Illegal Dumping
Figure 10. Actions Taken for Fire
Figure 11. Location of Wastes
Figure 12. Lease of Land to Cottages
Figure 13 Tenants Method of Disposal
Figure 14. Requirements for Leases
Figure 15. Awareness of Tenants Burning Garbage
Figure 16. Small Businesses Burning Garbage
Figure 17. Recycling Program
Figure 18. Types of Materials Recycled
Figure 19. Method of Collection for Recyclables
Figure 20. Composting Program
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