Nine waste management system options including the status quo were evaluated by determining the total anticipated capital and operating costs, the corresponding diversion rate, and the possible site life at the Alice & Fraser Landfill, assuming a total landfilling airspace of three million cubic metres (total of existing and future landfill volume).

In determining the net operating costs, potential revenues through the resale of compost and recovered materials were also estimated. It was determined that the operating cost of the existing waste management system, which diverts approximately 12% of the generated waste from landfilling is in the order of $100/tonne including curbside collection.

Under the status quo, the total landfill volume of 3,000,000 m3 would be reached within 27 years. Alternatively, the implementation of a MRF, Composting Facility, and C&D Waste Recycling Area, along with a modified waste collection system and the expansion and continued use of the Alice & Fraser Lanfill, will increase diversion rates to approximately 65%, at a cost of approximately $140/tonne including financing of the $10 million capital cost over 25 years. For an increase in operating cost of $40/tonne, the total landfill site volume of 3,000,000 m3 should be adequate for more than 60 years instead of 27, a significant tangible benifit to the partner municipalities.
In comparison, exporting waste to a licensed landfill was estimated at $160 to $165 per tonne including costs for closure and post closure maintenance/ monitoring of the existing site, curbsid collection, a transfer station and an assumed tipping fee of $50.00 per tonne.