FACT SHEET

Updated: October 10, 2024

RDOS curbside and recycling collection

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors authorized a seven-year contract to be ratified for curbside and recycling services. During the regular meeting of the RDOS Board of Directors on Thursday, June 13, 2024, the RDOS Board voted to award the contract to Waste Connections Canada. The decision to authorize the contract was not unanimous.

The following information is intended to provide information about curbside and recycling services in the Regional District. The RDOS Board of Directors and staff understand the challenges increased fees pose to families. Please visit the Curbside Collection project page on the RDOS Regional Connections website for further information and updates.

Cost increases

Every seven years the RDOS conducts a request for proposals (RFP) for the Curbside Collection Program contract. An RFP was issued and the lowest bid was accepted.

Among all the bids received, Waste Connections Canada was deemed to be the most qualified and feasible contractor. Waste Connections Canada is one of Canada's largest full-service waste management companies and is the current contractor for RDOS curbside recycling and garbage collection. A monthly pre-authorized payment plan is available to break up the annual cost over 12 months.

The curbside and recycling contract takes effect July 1, 2025.

Carts

The Waste Connections Canada contract requires carts for each residence. Introducing carts allows curbside and recycling collection to move to an automated collection system. This reduces work-related injuries for staff as it eliminates the need for lifting or maneuvering heavier bins. Easy-to-roll carts also improve neighbourhood aesthetics by keeping materials contained, reducing the reliance on bags, and limiting litter blowing away. Many cities and regional districts in B.C. have switched to carts.

The carts will be provided by the RDOS and will be delivered before the start of the new collection contract in July 2025. The three (3) carts for each household include one for garbage, one for recycling, and one for yard waste.

Residents with long driveways or pick-up points far from their homes may choose to leave carts at the end of their driveway. They can then fill them with waste and bring them to the curb on the morning of collection. It is still to be determined whether residents can use their existing carts.

Service contract

RDOS curbside and recycling customers are not able to opt out of curbside and recycling collection. According to the Local Government Act, the service of the regulation, storage and management of municipal solid waste and recycling material is not subject to withdrawal.

Local Government Act       
B.C. Reg. 398/2000 REGIONAL DISTRICT SERVICE WITHDRAWAL REGULATION

Services that are not subject to withdrawal
              1. The following services are exempted from withdrawal under Division 6 [Dispute Resolution in Relation to Services] of Part 10 [Regional Districts: Service Structure and Establishing Bylaws] of the Local Government Act:
(a)an emergency telephone system, including an emergency 911 system;
(b)a transit service;
(c)a regional parks service established under the Local Government Act;
(d)the service of the regulation, storage and management of municipal solid waste and recyclable material.
[am. B.C. Reg. 118/2018.] 

For further information, please visit the curbside and recycling collection project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca or call the RDOS Solid Waste hotline at 250-490-4129.

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-Free 1-877-610-3737