Drop in demo dump fees

Photo: Peter O'Donovan

In an effort to mitigate asbestos risk, costs for the public to dispose of demolition waste will be nearly cut in half at the OK Falls landfill, the RDOS said on Wednesday.

Assessed demolition and mixed-use construction materials will cost $125 per tonne to dispose of at the landfill beginning on Apr. 15, compared to the current cost of $200.

The drop is part of fee changes which will be implemented next month at several landfills in the South Okanagan.

The OK Falls landfill has one of the only facilities in B.C.'s Interior for sorting construction and demolition materials, and the fee reduction is being done "in order to convince people to do the right thing," the RDOS said.

To qualify for the rate of $125, those dropping off demolition and construction waste will need to fill out a free application, and submit WorkSafeBC compliant documents beforehand. 

"WorkSafeBC requires that any demolition and renovation projects go through an assessment process to check for hazards to ensure they have been safely removed," the RDOS said.

"Often people ignore these requirements exposing themselves, their family, contractors, waste haulers and landfill staff to serious hazards," associated with asbestos.

A Penticton rental and housing company was fined $2,500 last year for tearing down a home without removing asbestos.