The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is moving forward with finalizing plans on standardizing garbage cans before the new curbside collection contract kicks in.
The RDOS Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve staff's request to develop a rebate program for residents' garbage, recycling and yard-waste cans.
Earlier in 2024, the board approved a new contract that will see curbside collection handled entirely by automated vehicles.
That will require changes to what cans are allowed for residents, and how many.
The regional district has settled on allowing residents three cans as standard, one for each type of pick-up, plus an optional extra yard-waste container.
People who have already purchased containers will soon be sent out communication from the regional district on how they can send information about what cans they currently own to confirm they will be compatible with the new collection trucks.
Once the survey is completed, the regional district will be sending staff out to visit households for a final check of the cans for compatibility.
After that, the regional district plans to offer a rebate to residents, although how much that rebate will be has not yet been finalized.
Staff were also asked about what will be done with any cans that aren't compatible, Director Helena Konanz raised the concern following the number of cans that ended up in the landfill following Penticton's own changeover.
Regional district staff admitted that while they would like to recycle any unacceptable cans, due to the purpose of the cans for garbage and the like, it may be more economical to dispose of them.
Options for what will be done with unacceptable cans is being explored.
For residents that will need new cans, the regional district is already readying their costs and options for residents.
Garbage cans will be offered in a standard 120 litre size, with an optional increase to 240 litres or to a bear-proof 120 litre size, recycling in a standard 240 with an option for 360, and yard waste in 240 with an option for 120 litres.
Adding an additional yard-waste container or increasing the size of the garbage can is currently planned to cost households an additional $5 per month each, while a bear-proof can will be an extra $4 per month.
The new cans would be delivered in July of 2025 as the new contract takes effect.
