Disposal fees rising January 1

It will cost more to dispose of garbage and yard waste in the new year.

Photo: Kelly Hayes - Castanet File Photo

Starting January 1, 2012, tipping fees will increase for garbage and other solid waste at two Central Okanagan facilities for both residential and commercial customers.

The increase was approved earlier this year by the Regional District Board for the Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre and the City of Kelowna for the Glenmore landfill.

Regional District Waste Reduction Manager Peter Rotheisler says the increase in fees is necessary given the major capital projects planned for the Glenmore Landfill. The landfill is the only remaining active landfill in the Central Okanagan.

"“It’s also the first time in almost twenty years the bag and under 250 kilogram disposal fees have gone up since they began back in the 1990’s.”
 
Rotheisler adds that even with the increase, tipping fees fees in the Central Okanagan remain lower than many of the surrounding areas.

"Tip fee rates in the North Okanagan, Columbia Shuswap, and Kootenay Boundary are between $70 and $85 per metric tonne, and Metro Vancouver is slightly below $100 per metric tonne."

Increases as of January 1, 2012 are as follows:
 

• Bagged garbage $2.50 per bag (now $1.00 per bag)
• Flat fee for up to 250 kg of garbage $8.00 (now $6)
• Loads of garbage over 250 kg $65 per metric tonne (now $55)
• Yard waste loads greater than 250 kg $40 per metric tonne (now $25)
• Yard waste loads for material larger than 20 cms in diameter $65 per metric tonne (now $55)
• Up to 250 kilograms of yard waste will continue to be accepted free of charge