Introduction:

The Regional District of Central Okanagan and its local municipalities are now using the automated curbside collection system for garbage, recyclables and yard waste.  The distribution wrapped up in early September 2009.  Each home on curbside collection uses three specially designed wheeled carts: one for garbage, one for recycling and one for yard waste. 

(Tips on Proper Use and Tips for Winter Cart Placement)

These carts are the only recognized containers for household curbside solid waste collection.  The carts are registered to each individual address and therefore remain with the property should the homeowner move.

If you are in a new development and do not have your curbside waste collection carts, please contact your local government in order to set up service and arrange to receive delivery of your curbside carts.  Information about how to use the carts will be attached to the carts when they are delivered to your home.  When you receive the carts for your address, you may begin using them immediately.

Tips on Proper Usage of the Automated Waste Collection Carts:

• When you place your carts at the curb with the arrow facing out toward the street or road, please ensure the carts do not block bike lanes or sidewalks.  Information Sheet
• Please properly space your carts with at least one yard between them.  Some residents place their carts at the end of their driveway on either side to allow them to easily access and get out of their driveway.
• Please only place yard waste in the yard waste cart...no bags or other materials are allowed.
• Please do not overfill the carts.  The lids must completely close.
• OK Environmental Waste Systems will replace at no charge lost or stolen carts and repair or replace carts that are damaged through normal use.  Please call 250-868- 3211 if you need assistance in this area.

Tips for Proper Cart Placement during Winter/Snowy Months

• View a short video on Proper Placement of Carts During Winter Months (To view you may need the free Windows Media Player)
• Find or clear an unobstructed site to put your carts out for collection.  It's the responsibility of the resident to clear appropriate space at the curb/roadway in front of their property for placement of carts.
• Put carts as close as possible to the street, without obstructing the street, sidewalk or bike lane. Often placing your carts on either side of your driveway allows for greater ease for the collection trucks and you.
• Keep carts off the travelled portion of the roadway so as not to interfere with snow plows. Do not place carts in a location where the snow plow will hit them.
• The cart should be no closer than three feet from any obstacle, parked vehicle or other cart - an arm's length spacing is required between each cart.  When considering cart placement it's important to note that the automated arm on the collection truck can only reach a maximum of eight feet from the truck, and up to one foot off the ground.
• Do not place carts behind or on top of snow banks.
• Please have your carts out for collection by 7:00 am on your collection day.  Avoid placing your carts out the night before collection and bring them away from the road as soon as possible to avoid interfering with snow plows often working in the very late or early morning hours to clear our roadways.
• Clear your cart of snow and ice to ensure the lid opens when the cart is tipped into the truck.
• General Safety:  As the waste collection carts are equipped with wheels, please use extra caution when wheeling them in snowy and icy conditions.

View larger Winter Cart Placement Image

View Winter Cart Placement News Release

View Winter Cart Placement Video  (To view you may need the free Windows Media Player)

Additional Yard Waste Disposal Options - follow this link 

Watch our General Information Video  - To view you may need the free Windows Media Player

• Question and Answer Sheet (March 2009) to deal with any questions you may have regarding the new Automated Collection program and how to use the new carts.
• Yard Waste Only in new Green Lid Cart news release 
• Information on Cart Sizes
• Information for Rural Residents - updated July 2009
• Animal/Bear Protection
  • News Release
• Information Package Delivered with Carts
  • Letter for Residents
  • How to use your new carts
• Regional District Electoral Area Cart Change-out Request Form
  • Please note this form is only to be used by residents in Regional District Electoral Areas only (please return to Regional Waste Reduction Office) requesting a change of service that will affect their utility billing rate including:
    • a) receiving a larger garbage cart or up to two additional yard waste carts
    • b) secondary cart change-out
    • c) requesting an additional full service.
  • Residents outside Regional District Electoral Areas should contact their local municipality for change out information.
• Application for Service Level Change
• Automated Collection Program Newsletter (December 2008)

If you have any further questions about automated collection, please call the Regional Waste Reduction Office anytime, 250-469-6250 or recycle@cord.bc.ca.

What some of our participants are saying about the new program!

• This is such a time saver, as I would have had to take lawn cuttings etc. to the dump three times...I'd gladly pay $30 to $50 for this service.  Many thanks! (Ross)
   

• Finally! Something the government does makes sense. (Gillian)
   

• The yard waste bin is the best thing since sliced bread. We love it! (Mike)
   

• I think this is a great, long overdue idea! (Survey respondent)
   

• I love this system. It’s easy, clean and efficient (Survey respondent)