Yard & Garden Waste Drop-off

Frequently Asked Questions - Yard & Garden Waste Drop-off

• What types of yard and garden waste are accepted at RDNO Solid Waste Management Facilities?

  • trimmings and prunings (<20 centimetres diameter and 2 metres long)
  • leaves
  • grass
  • mulch
  • flowers
  • vegetable stalks
  • woody or herbaceous waste
  • wood chips
  • wind fallen fruit and vegetables; and
  • trees trunks and stumps (<20 cm diameter).
• What types of yard and garden waste are NOT accepted at RDNO Solid Waste Management Facilities?

  Animal feces, cardboard, noxious weeds, plastic, soil, rocks, fencing, fabric, netting and other non-vegetated landscaping and gardening waste. Any material other than yard waste in the yard waste stock pile is not permitted.

• What are the rates and quantity limits for disposing of yard and garden waste?

  There are Free Yard & Garden Waste drop off areas at all RDNO Solid Waste Management Facilities (except for Silver Star and Cherryville Transfer Stations). Yard & Garden Waste at the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Transfer Station is currently restricted to the volume of a full-size pickup bed or less per day. Residents with large quantities of materials are asked to utilize Greater Vernon or Lumby Landfills.  

  Bulk loads of Yard & Garden waste delivered in dual rear axle vehicles or larger are accepted at Greater Vernon and Lumby Landfills ONLY.  Fees apply for bulk loads of Yard & Garden Waste. For information on tipping fees please visit: rdno.ca/wastefees. 

• Why are plastic yard waste bags not allowed, and how do they contaminate compost?

  Plastic bags are a big problem for yard waste and compost as get shredded into small pieces when the materials are chipped. Just one bag can be shredded into thousands of plastic fragments. The small pieces of plastic then pollute our land and water and reduce the usefulness of the compost.

  Some alternatives to bringing yard waste to Solid Waste Management Facilities in plastic bags are:

  • Using reusable containers or kraft paper bags
  • Bringing materials unbagged but remember to secure your load
  • Keeping leaves as a valuable garden bed mulch to improve soil and plant health.
  • Using leaves in your backyard compost, they are an excellent ingredient for controlling odors, preventing pests and making great compost. Find tips on the Home Composting & Yard Care webpage. 
  • Grasscycling by leaving mowed grass on the lawn which improves the health of lawns and saves you time

  Please make sure all bagged Yard & Garden Waste is emptied. If you are not reusing your bags, emptied plastic bags go to garbage and emptied paper bags can be added to the Yard & Garden Waste pile.

• How should noxious weeds be handled and disposed of at the Greater Vernon Landfill?

  Noxious Weeds are not accepted in the Yard & Garden Waste drop off area. These plants need to be contained and disposed responsibly to prevent their spread.

  Noxious Weeds are accepted for disposal at no charge at RDNO Solid Waste Management Facilities under the following conditions:

  • Contain them to prevent their spread in clear plastic bags, clear plastic sheets or tarp. Loose Noxious Weeds will not be accepted for disposal.
  • Small amounts (less than 6 bags in volume) will be accepted during regular operating hours.
  • Larger quantities (more than 6 bags) require a minimum of 24 hour advanced notice at the Greater Vernon Landfill and are accepted between 10:00am to 2:00pm Monday to Friday (please call 250-550-3785 or email solidwaste@rdno.ca).
  • Upon arriving to a Solid Waste Management Facility, proceed to the scale house and the attendant will advise on the dispose location and will record your disposal.  

  Please help avoid the spread of noxious weeds and Invasive Plants. Learn more about Noxious Weeds & Invasive Plants.