June 29, 2009
COLDSTREAM, BC – At their April 16th, 2009 meeting, the Regional District of
North Okanagan (RDNO) Board approved a number of amendments to the Solid
Waste Recycling and Disposal Fee Bylaw. This Bylaw specifies the tipping fees
that are charged at all RDNO Recycling and Disposal Facilities (RDF). Included
in the amended bylaw are:
- Elimination of the $1.00 per bag or can rate for up to 5 bags and
establishment of a $3.00 minimum charge for up to 50 kg of refuse (or 0.4
m3 at unscaled sites) instead of up to 130 kg (or 1 m3 at unscaled sites) as
in the current bylaw
- An increase in the refuse tipping fee from $62.00/tonne to $63.00/tonne
- An increase in the tipping fee for loads containing more than 10%
recyclable material from $88.50/tonne to $94.50/tonne
The amended rates take effect July 13th, 2009.
“Elimination of the $1.00 per bag or can rate and establishment of a $3.00
minimum charge for up to 50 kg of refuse (instead of 130 kg) is designed to
reduce the number of trips to the RDF and to reflect the actual costs of managing
waste at an RDF” says Nicole Kohnert, RDNO Manager of Environmental
Services. “We are seeing ever increasing numbers of self haul customers at all
of our facilities, which causes long line ups and delays for all customers during
peak periods. I anticipate that this rate amendment will help to reduce
congestion and wait times for all RDF customers.”
The RDNO is aware that some customers who now haul one or two bags to the
RDF on a weekly basis may hold onto their refuse for a longer period of time
before disposing of it. In some areas, stored refuse has the potential to attract
animals, particularly in the spring, summer and fall months. Residents are
encouraged to secure their stored bags and cans inside animal proof containers
or inside sheds and garages.
“I anticipate that tipping fees will be amended again later this year” adds
Kohnert. “The RDNO is moving towards a tipping fee structure that encourages
customers to maximize the amount of material that is diverted from landfilling. In
future, I believe that residents in the RDNO will likely see higher fees for disposal
of refuse, but lower or stable fees for the drop off of recyclable materials such as
wood, metal and yard waste. Significant reserves are required for landfill post
closure costs which must be funded by current tipping fees.”
Tipping fees for disposal of yard waste, wood, metal, concrete, asphalt,
refrigeration appliances and drywall are unchanged. There continues to be no
charge for the drop off of Blue Bag Program materials, batteries and tires less
than 16 inches in diameter at all RDNO RDFs.
A copy of the current and amended Solid Waste Recycling and Disposal Fee
Bylaw is available at www.rdno.ca.
For more information:
Nicole Kohnert, P.Eng.
Manager of Environmental Services
50-550-3741
Dale Danallanko
Recycling and Disposal Facilities Coordinator
250-550-3744
