RDOS urges residents not to crowd landfills during COVID-19

Photo: Contributed

Residents of RDOS asked to use curbside collection to stem crowds at landfills.

An increase in spring home and yard cleaning has resulted in safety concerns at the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen landfills due to a large spike in people visiting.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are now asked to use curbside collection until further notice. 

The RDOS says the Campbell Mountain Landfill has been especially busy, with lineups stretching outside the property and blocking traffic. 

For the health and safety of the public and to protect staff, the RDOS is now asking residents to use their residential yard waste collection whenever possible. 

Landfill customers are asked to bring a credit or debit card, as cash will no longer be accepted. 

If you are self-isolating or displaying COVID-19, the RDOS asks you follow the order from the Provincial Health Officer and stay home. 

“We understand many people are returning from their winter homes or sitting at home in isolation,” said RDOS chair Karla Kozakevich. “But an unnecessary visit to the landfill can place staff and others at risk. Please listen to health professionals and follow self-isolation and physical distancing procedures.”

If landfill attendance and the associated risks cannot be mitigated, the RDOS will need to consider increasingly restrictive measures for managing unnecessary exposure, up to and including closing the facilities to non-commercial customers.

If additional actions become necessary, advance notice will be posted on the RDOS website and shared with local media.

For now, all RDOS landfills are open during regular hours.