Landfill staff are the true land and water protectors. They separate and sort material at the landfill, ensure it is stored and handled safely, and coordinate getting it shipped out of the community.

Here are two sample job postings and a job description that you can modify for your community:

• Landfill Operator
• Waste Driver/Collector
• Solid Waste Coordinator

Many of the materials collected at the landfill are hazardous to the land, water, humans, and wildlife. Training is critical to keep landfill staff and community members safe, and protect the land and water for generations to come.

• Recommended training for landfill operators

Landfill staff will need a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other supplies to safely and efficiently manage the landfill. Here is a suggested list with estimated prices.

• Landfill operation equipment and supplies list

Signing collection areas at the landfill is key to keeping recyclable and hazardous materials separated from the rest. Bloodvein First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation and Peguis First Nation installed bilingual signs at their landfills. (Fisher River sign translation by Elder Dorothy Crate and original design by student Jayde McKay.)

Here are two handy lists with contact information for the various types of materials handled at the landfill or transfer station. From industry stewardship groups to transporters and recyclers, this handy summary lists groups you would be contacting most often. This one-page cheat sheet provides the contact info for all of the industry stewardship groups in Manitoba.

It can be helpful to understand how community members are currently dealing with different types of waste. Check out this sample Waste Disposal Habits Survey.

Transporting recyclable and hazardous materials from remote communities presents an additional set of challenges. Starting in 2019-20, industry stewardship groups collaborated with 5 winter road First Nation communities in Manitoba to remove materials. Learn more about this pilot project here. Find details on the 2021 backhaul and the 2022 backhaul.

Manitoba Resources

• Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER)
• Find Your EcoDepot
• Indigenous Food First (CIER)
• Manitoba Industry Stewardship Programs
• WasteWise (A-Z Recycling Guide)

Canadian Resources

• First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute
• First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group (AB)
• Indigenous Zero Waste Advisory Group (BC)