Photo: RDNO

Sometimes a change of name isn’t just a change of name. 

Effective January 1, 2019, the RDNO will change the names of the Greater Vernon, Armstrong/Spallumcheen and Lumby Recycling and Disposal Facilities (RDFs) to Diversion and Disposal Facilities (DDFs) to better reflect the services provided.
 
"The RDNO is focused on diverting as many items as possible from disposal at North Okanagan landfills," stated Ashley Gregerson, communications officer.  

Some of the diversion programs that are currently in place include:

Yard & Garden Waste Diversion: Residents can drop off yard and garden waste at the three DDFs for no charge. The material is processed at the Greater Vernon Diversion and Disposal Facility to create a high-quality compost which is made available to the public free of charge for use in gardens as a soil amendment. 

Scrap Metal is accepted at all DDFs except Silver Star Transfer Station at a nominal fee. Scrap metal is processed by a large metal recycler and ends up in newly manufactured goods.

Asphalt shingles are accepted at the Greater Vernon Diversion and Disposal Facility. A recycling contractor ships and processes this material for use in various asphalt based products.
 
Recently, the RDNO directors passed three motions related to diverting waste from disposal at landfills.

In 2019, RDNO staff will report on a possible ban of single-use plastics and waste to energy opportunities.

Staff were also directed to undertake a Request for Proposals process for recycling opportunities at all Regional District of North Okanagan Diversion and Disposal Facilities.
 
"This new name is an excellent opportunity to better communicate the many diversion programs that are offered at our waste management facilities, and, ultimately, describes our goal to divert as much waste as possible from our landfills," said Kevin Acton, Chair of the RDNO board of directors.

"The RDNO is committed to offering ways for residents to rethink consumption, reduce waste, and reuse items."