Metro Vancouver's controversial proposal to burn the region's garbage will go out to public consultation, the board decided Friday.

The region's solid waste management committee presented the draft plan to the Metro board on Friday, a plan that proposed a move away from landfills in favour of waste incineration.

The committee has found that incinerators would bring in $10 million in revenue, provide hot water and heat to neighbouring buildings, and stimulate the economy, whereas the Cache Creek dump costs Metro about $30 million a year.

But Mayor Sharon Gaetz, other Fraser Valley municipal politicians, and Chilliwack-Hope MLA and Minister of Environment Barry Penner have all objected to incineration because of concerns over air pollution.

In January, the Cache Creek Landfill was granted the environmental certificate for an extension of up to 25 years, something that is supported by local First Nations bands.

The Fraser Valley Regional District opposes incinerators because of the effect on the airshed in the region. Also critical are groups like the Wilderness Committee, whose spokesman Ben West highlighted the risk to health from tiny 'nanoparticles' that scrubbers on incinerators would fail to catch.

The final solution is dependent on what residents say, according to Metro chairwoman Lois Jackson.