March 2, 2009
The Regional District of North Okanagan would like to remind residents that the period for free yard and garden waste drop off free-of-charge to all Regional Recycling and Disposal Facilities (RDFs) begins March 15th and runs until April 30th.
lnstead of burning leaves, branches and other organic material and contributing to poor air quality,
yard waste and prunings less than 20 cm in diameter are accepted free-of-charge at the Greater
Vernon, Armstrong/Spallumcheen, Lumby, Kingfisher, and Cherryville Recycling and Disposal
Facilities. This program is for residential yard and garden waste only, self-hauled by residents or
their designated hauler.
"This program is offered in the spring and fall to give residents an opportunity to dispose of excess
yard trimmings. The fall drop off period was very busy so in anticipation of higher than normal
vehicle numbers we ask for patience and cooperation while the drop off is in effect," reports Karmen
Peace, Waste Reduction Coordinator. "We will do our best to move traffic through as quickly as
possible and ask that all signs and traffic direction be followed." Once residents arrive at the
Recycling and Disposal Facilities, direction will be provided to the appropriate drop off location.
All bags and boxes containing the material must be removed and recycled in the bins provided in
the drop off area. Materials included in the program are grass, leaves, pine needles and cones,
windfall fruit and garden plants. Please do not include rocks, concrete, plastic, or refuse in the yard
waste piles. These materials contaminate the pile and make it unusable for composting.
At all other times of the year, yard waste is $20 per metric tonne (two cents per kilogram) to dispose
of at Regional District of North Okanagan facilities. Look for local municipal programs offered in the
next few weeks for leaf exchange, pick-up and drop off of yard waste. A listing of other programs
offered in the Regional District of North Okanagan can be found at www.rdno.ca.
Operating hours for each of the Recycling and Disposal Facilities are posted on the Regional
District of North Okanagan web site and at each facility. Peace adds, "Please remember, all loads
going to a Recycling and Disposal Facility must be tarped and secured. Loads will be carefully
monitored to ensure compliance and users face a possible fine if their load is not properly secured.
For more information:
Karmen Peace
Waste Reduction Coordinator
250-550-3743
Dale Danallanko
Facilities Coordinator
250-550-3744
