Does the RDNO still manage the residential, curbside recycling program?
A: No, as of May 19, 2014 the RDNO is no longer responsible for managing the residential, curbside Blue Bag Recycling Program. Recycle BC is responsible for the curbside residential Blue Box Recycling Program. Find more information including a Curbside Collection calendar in the Recycle BC – North Okanagan Guide.
How do I obtain recycling containers?
A: Contact Emterra Environmental (Recycle BC’s contractor) by phone at 250-545-4245 or by email at askmebc2@emterra.ca to verify recycling service in your area. You can access a curbside and depot recycling guide at: recyclebc.ca/north-okanagan/
What are my recycling options for Packaging & Paper Products?
A: RDNO residents are encouraged to utilize Recycle BC Curbside Blue Box Collection program or to use Recycle BC Depots located in Vernon and Armstrong. Access a curbside and depot recycling guide at: recyclebc.ca/north-okanagan. Businesses are encouraged to utilize existing programs or to contact private waste management contractors to see what their options are for recycling services. For more information contact the BC Recycling Hotline at 1.800.667.4321 or access the Recyclepedia App at rcbc.ca.
Why is my recycling day different than my garbage day?
A: The residential blue box recycling program is provided by Recycle BC. Access your Curbside Collection calendar in the Recycle BC – North Okanagan Guide. Garbage collection services are provided by your municipality, please contact your municipality if you require more information about residential garbage collection. If you are a resident of the District of Coldstream or one of the Electoral Areas and wish to receive curbside residential garbage collection, you must engage the services of a private contractor as there is no municipally provided garage collection in these areas.
Where can I recycle Styrofoam?
A: Styrofoam packaging is accepted at Recycle BC depots. Styrofoam is not accepted in Recycle BC curbside recycling. Items accepted include clean containers and trays for meat and produce, egg cartons take-out containers, cups and foam cushion packaging to protect electronics, small appliances, etc. Find a participating depot listed under Packaging & Paper Products in the What Goes Where? Guides or search Plastic (Packaging) Foam in RCBC Recyclepedia.
Where can I recycle batteries?
A: Most types of batteries are included in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs and are accepted free-of-charge for drop-off recycling at many locations including participating retailers. Rechargeable and single-use batteries household batteries that weigh up to are 5kgs each are accepted in the call2recycle program, find a participating drop off location and more information on what is accepted at: www.call2recycle.ca. Lead acid batteries are accepted at participating automotive and battery retailers (some pay money for them), find locations at www.recyclemybattery.ca.
Can I recycle electronics?
A: Almost anything that takes a battery or has a plug can be recycled. Check out the RDNO's What Goes Where webpage for local depots that accept electronics, small appliances, power tools and outdoor power equipment and more. For more information go to www.return-it.ca/electronics.
Where can I take large appliances?
Major appliances including refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines and air conditioners are accepted for free drop off at RDNO Solid Waste Management Facilities. Major appliance recycling is administered by the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable.
Where can I dispose of paint and paint containers?
A: Household paint, paint aerosols and paint containers are accepted at designated depots and participating retailers in the Product Care Paint Program. Some locations also participate in an additional program that accepts flammable liquids, domestic pesticides, and gasoline. View guides on RDNO's What Goes Where webpage for a list of programs and depots accepting Household Chemicals and Automotive products.
Where can I recycle motor oil and antifreeze?
A: Motor oil and antifreeze and their containers are accepted at designated depots and participating retailers of the BC Use Oil Management Program. View guides on RDNO's What Goes Where webpage for a list of programs and depots accepting Household Chemicals and Automotive products.
How do I properly dispose of my old, unused or unwanted medicines safely?
A: Most pharmacies participate in a medications return program to ensure for environmentally responsible disposal. For more information on medication returns go to www.healthsteward.ca.
Where can I go to find out about all the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) drop-off recycling programs?
A: To better understand all of the drop-off recycling programs that currently exist for North Okanagan residents and businesses, go online to www.bcrecycles.ca. Guides on the RDNO What Goes Where webpage also list all EPR programs, their websites and participating depots. Also, the Recycling Council of BC (RCBC) maintains BC Recyclepedia which is an online search tool for finding recycling and reuse options for a wide range of items including EPR products. This extensive resource can be accessed along with its mobile app at rcbc.ca. Also, RCBC operates a Recycling Hotline at 1-800-667-4321 with Environmental Officers who can provide information on waste reduction and BC EPR programs.
Where can I take Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) not covered in the Product Care and BC Used Oil programs?
A: HHW can be taken free of charge, year round, during regular hours of operation to Interior Freight and Bottle Depot in Vernon. For more information including guidance on how to handle, store and avoid HHW check out the RDNO Household Hazardous Waste webpage.
Who is responsible for recycling?
A: In British Columbia, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs require producers (manufacturers, distributors and retailers) to take responsibility for the life cycle of their products, including collection and recycling. The responsibility for recycling varies by product type, with agencies representing industry taking charge of specific categories. Agencies like Recycle BC, Encorp Return-it, and Call2recycle oversee recycling programs for different product types. A full list of agencies and information on products they are responsible for are at: www.bcrecycles.ca.
I pay for recycling through my taxes, don’t I?
A: No, taxes do not fund recycling in BC. Recycling is dependent on the private sector to collect, transport and process materials into marketable commodities. The private sector relies on funding through industry-led programs, with costs integrated into product prices or paid as eco-fees when consumers purchase products. The funding collected from purchased products does not go to government, rather it is submitted to the agencies that run recycling programs (a full list of these funded agencies that are responsible for recycling is at: www.bcrecycles.ca).
Who operates the Bottle Depots in BC?
A: Bottle depots are typically operated by businesses or non-profit organizations. These organizations typically participate in a number of provincial Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs that are approved by the provincial government. The specific EPR program for beverage containers is Encorp Return-it
What is happening with the recycling depot in Lumby?
The organization who was running Venture Bottle Depot in Lumby had to make a difficult decision for their organization close the depot and sell the building in August 2023. The RDNO was not involved in the operations of this depot. The RDNO has inquired with the agencies who had provincial recycling programs operating at the depot and they have advised they are working to find solutions to fill this gap in the community. Until this time residents with curbside Recycle BC service are encouraged to optimize their use of that program for curbside packaging and paper recyclables (find info at: https://recyclebc.ca/north-okanagan/). The next nearest centre with depots that operate provincial recycling programs is in Vernon and information can be found at: www.rdno.ca/whatgoeswhere. Also, check out the Recycle BC webpage for popup recycling events.
